Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has claimed that Manchester City and manager Roberto Mancini "rely" on the controversial striker.

The Italy international has been linked with a return to his homeland, with a potential move to Juventus being on the cards.

Despite speculation, Raiola has insisted that Balotelli has "no intention" of leaving the Premier League champions but a move back to Italy is an attractive prospect for the 21-year-old in the future.

"Maybe I have not been clear - Balotelli can't come back to Italy," said Raiola. "Italian football's economic situation means that at the moment top players can't come to Italy.

"In football, nothing is impossible, but Mario hasn't spoken to me. He has no intention to come back. City and the coach are relying on him."

Meanwhile, Balotelli is likely to start for the Azzurri's Euro 2012 semi-final clash with Germany tonight.