Italy coach Cesare Prandelli had harsh words for star striker Mario Balotelli on Friday but insisted he still has faith in the errant Manchester City player.
For the second game in a row Prandelli hauled off the 21-year-old early in the second period of Thursday's Group C 1-1 draw with Croatia.
"I shouted myself hoarse for 15 minutes but I didn't manage to correct his positioning," moaned Prandelli.
"He was coming towards the ball but then he didn't hold onto it. Either you come for the ball and hold onto it or you go long.
"If you want to become great you have to know how to deal with difficulty," Prandelli added.
"I'll never abandon him. I played him from the start when the entire press corps wanted him benched."
Source: AFP
