Roberto Mancini has challenged Nice striker Mario Balotelli to score 20 goals this season.
Mancini, who managed Balotelli at Inter Milan and Manchester City, hopes to see his former player finally fulfil his potential.
Balotelli, 26, made his Inter debut under Mancini, who then took him to the Premier League in 2010.
The Italy striker scored 30 goals in 80 games for City, but a number of off-field issues - including a training ground bust up with Mancini - led to his departure back to Italy.
Spells at AC Milan and Liverpool did not work out for Balotelli, prompting his summer move to Ligue 1 club Nice on a free transfer.
He has thrived so far in the south of France, scoring six goals in five appearances, though he was sent off in his club's last outing after being booked twice, the first of which was for a shirtless celebration.
Mancini, out of work following his summer departure from Inter Milan, hopes to see more goalscoring exploits from Balotelli.
He told L'Equipe: "He is a special player for me, for all he has done on the pitch - and elsewhere!
"I respect him a lot. I hope he understands that he has a chance to become a player of the highest level.
"He must score at least 20 this season but Mario must stop removing his jersey as soon as he scores one.
"For him, (the 20-goal) mark should be normal."
Source: PA-WIRE
