Ricardo Montolivo has described Italy teammate Mario Balotelli as "naive" after the striker was booked for taking off his shirt against Mexico in the Confederations Cup.

Balotelli picked up the yellow card for celebrating his goal in the Azzurri's 2-1 win at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil on Sunday night.

"Mario was naive but has done very well," Montolivo is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "As long as he scores, that's okay."

Italy continue their Confederations Cup campaign on Wednesday when they take on Japan in Recife.