Italy concerned about two sides of Balotelli

After AC Milan's worst season in decades, Italians are hoping Mario Balotelli can end his goal drought at the World Cup finals.

But no one can be sure how the temperamental striker will perform or react to being in Brazil.

Italy faces a tough Group D at the finals, against England, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Coaches, players and fans wonder which side of Balotelli's character will be on display.

Will it be the Balotelli left in tears on the bench after being substituted during a 3-1 loss to Napoli in February? Or will it be the Balotelli who, a week later, blasted a 35-meter thunderbolt to secure a 1-0 win over Bologna?

The incidents illustrate the inner turmoil and genius of a player who, according to previous handlers like former Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini, could be a soccer great.

The incidents also offer clues to the inner workings of a player known for a rebellious streak which, if controlled, can have devastating effects for the opposition - and devastating effects for his own team if left unfettered.

Balotelli firmly established himself as Italy's first-choice striker after scoring four goals, including a brace in the semifinal against Germany at the 2012 European Championships.

He went on to score seven times in World Cup qualifying as Italy finished top of Group B with two games to spare.

But his eye for the goal is tempered by inconsistency and a lack of discipline.

Balotelli has improved this season, provoking nine yellow cards in 25 games compared to seven in 13 encounters last season. But his quick temper and inability to turn the other cheek could prove costly to Italy in Brazil.

Still only 23, the man born as Mario Barwuah to immigrants from Ghana has come a long way since being permanently fostered by the Italian Balotelli family in his formative years.

Only recently Balotelli underwent a DNA test which confirmed he was the father of a one-year-old daughter, Pia, by former girlfriend Raffaella Fico, who is based in Napoli.

Days later, Milan traveled to Napoli, Milan was outgunned and Balotelli suffered the indignity of being substituted by coach Clarence Seedorf for a mediocre display.

A week later, after Balotelli's spectacular strike against Bologna made amends, he lashed out at media intrusion into his private affairs.

"People are looking far too much into my private life. I would advise them not to because I'm the Italy striker and they should leave me alone to live my life as I want so I can perform to my best on the pitch," he said.

The battle for striker places on Cesare Prandelli's squad has intensified, with Mattia Destro and Giuseppe Rossi named in Italy's 30-man squad on Tuesday.

Ciro Immobile, who with 22 Serie A goals this season for Torino leads the scoring charts, is also in line.