Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has praised striker Mario Balotelli for starting to reach the potential that his talent has shown.

Balotelli netted twice in the recent World Cup qualifying win against Malta, and Prandelli warned that the AC Milan player now has confidence in his abilities.

"When you've got a talent like Balotelli you just need to show a bit of patience," Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Prandelli as saying.

"The time comes when that talent has to take responsibility and learn to walk by himself. Now is the time for Mario. Credit to him for his calm attitude, his belief and his ability."

Balotelli has scored seven times in his first six league games for Milan.