Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has hailed his international teammate Mario Balotelli for his performance against Malta on Tuesday.

The AC Milan striker scored both goals as the Azzurri won their World Cup Group B qualifier 2-0 at the Ta' Qali National Stadium.

"I think Mario has become fully aware of his abilities and has learned not to fall into the trap of provocation," Montolivo told reporters. "He has had a remarkable impact on Milan too and I hope he won't stop.

"He is now playing all over the field and helping out the team. Against Brazil too, he worked for the side and held up the ball, so he is a reference point for us now.

"Balotelli is a centre-forward and is therefore the leading point of the attack. We can even give him the ball badly, as he is so physically strong that he can hold off defenders and find space. Right now, he is a complete player."

The win sees Italy go three points clear at the top of the group with 13 points from five matches.