Mario Balotelli has declared that he is pleased to find a connection with his AC Milan teammates so quickly.

Balotelli joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City in January and has been in fine form, scoring five times in as many Serie A matches.

Despite being troubled by bruising to his shin, the Italian international came off the bench to continue his impressive start to his Milan career by scoring in Friday's 2-0 win at Genoa.

The 22-year-old believes that there is still room for improvement and has asked referees in Italy to offer him more protection from cynical challenges.

He told the club's official website: "I expected to settle down quickly at Milan and get along with my teammates.

"I'm happy it has happened so fast. I still have regrets over the derby and other opportunities. I am well, although I am still not 100% after that knock to my leg.

"Defenders can kick me as much as they want to, but the referee has to make decisions on the field. He (the referee) was pretty good to me tonight [against Genoa], though defenders often don't get the punishment they deserve for kicking us strikers"

Massimiliano Allegri must cope without Balotelli on Tuesday, with the striker ineligible for Milan's Champions League trip to Barcelona.