'Balotelli has the right attitude for Italy' - Buffon

22-Mar-2013 5:20:00 PM

The veteran goalkeeper has hailed the AC Milan star's positive attitude and feels he proved himself worthy of the Italy jersey

Gianluigi Buffon has nothing but praise for Italy team-mate Mario Balotelli's performance in Thursday's 2-2 friendly draw against Brazil.

The Azzurri fell two goals behind before the break, but a second-half strike from the 22-year-old helped them to a share of the spoils, and the goalkeeper was impressed with the his positive attitude as well as his fine goal.

"Balotelli was superb. I would also have said that if he hadn't scored the equaliser," Buffon told reporters.

"The way he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard was a great thing to see.

"For me, Balotelli has shown that he deserves the respect of his team-mates with this performance. He showed that he has the attitude needed for the national team."

Italy will now start their preparations for the World Cup qualifier away against Malta on Tuesday.

Inside Goal.Com

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