Cesare Prandelli has picked out Mario Balotelli for special praise after Italy overcame a sending-off to earn a crucial victory over Denmark.

Italy were able to triumph 3-1 against the Danes despite seeing Pablo Osvaldo dismissed for elbowing Thomas Kristensen.

Azzurri boss Prandelli said that he was proud of his side's determination to prevail and believes that Balotelli's willingness to work hard helped earn the three points.

He said: "Mario has to play like this, with this level of generosity. He has the talent.

"We showed the spirit of a great team, as with 10 men we fought in an organised and determined manner, the team stayed so organised.

"Once again these lads did brilliantly and focused on this match, which was very, very important for us."

Prandelli's side are four points clear of nearest rivals Bulgaria in Group B after taking 10 points from their opening four World Cup qualifying matches.