Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he will speak to striker Mario Balotelli following the Manchester City player's reaction to his goal against the Republic of Ireland.

The controversial frontman was gagged by Azzurri teammate Leonardo Bonucci after appearing to react angrily after netting the winning goal in Italy's 2-0 win over Ireland last night.

Despite a potential outburst, Prandelli has insisted that he does not have a problem with the 21-year-old.

"This is his behaviour," said Prandelli. "We know him. But basically Balotelli is a golden boy. I honestly don't know if he was angry with me. I'll ask him.

"But I liked how the teammates protected and defended him. Bonucci was good and there was confirmation that we are a good group."

Italy will discover their quarter-final opponents tonight following the outcomes of the matches between England and Ukraine as well as France and Sweden.