Ex-Italy boss Marcello Lippi has backed AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli to win his "battle" to re-emerge as one of Europe's finest forwards.

The 25-year-old re-joined the Rossoneri on a season-long loan last month after struggling to scale the heights expected of him with Liverpool, whom he joined from Milan for £16m just 13 months ago.

Nevertheless, Lippi is hopeful that the Italian can now rediscover his goalscoring touch at San Siro and remind the continent of his talent.

"He's not an unknown prospect," Lippi, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Mario is going to win this battle.

"A player like him has got to be among the leading players of the Italian game."

Balotelli scored just four goals in all competitions for the Reds last season.