It's time you got serious, Mario! De Rossi tells Balotelli to grow up and fulfil his potential

Mario Balotelli has been told to grow up if he is to fulfil his potential as one of the great players of Euro 2012.

The stark warning came from his Italy team-mate Daniele De Rossi, who is tipped to join Balotelli at Manchester City.

Balotelli looks increasingly likely to start in the quarter-final against England in Kiev on Sunday, despite clashing with coach Cesare Prandelli after scoring in the win over the Republic of Ireland.

And De Rossi said: ‘Balotelli’s a great player, but if he wants to grow he has to know how to react to situations.

‘Everybody is treated in the same way, so everybody has to take his own responsibility. He has to accept the manager’s decision. Sometimes, Balotelli commits mistakes off the pitch, but that’s his responsibility, too.

‘There is a lot of talk and scandals around him because he’s young and playing at Manchester City.’

By MARTIN SAMUEL