Italy's national team coach Cesare Prandelli has said that striker Mario Balotelli needs time to mature.
The 54-year-old also criticised the Italian media for piling pressure on promising youngsters.
Balotelli endured a difficult start to his career when playing for Inter Milan, receiving much criticism for his behaviour.
Prandelli has defended the striker when quizzed about including him in the Euro 2012 squad.
"Let him mature, he is only 21. Unfortunately, in Italy there is no time for young people to mature," said the former Fiorentina boss.
"If you score a goal, you are a champion and they put you on the front page. Then the week after scoring a goal if you say something wrong then you're immature.
"In Italy it is difficult to handle the psychological pressure."
Balotelli has earned seven caps for Italy so far.
Written by
Sam Hughes
Sam Hughes
