Thiago Motta tells Balotelli to act responsibly at Euro 2012

Jun 7, 2012 4:00:00 PM

The PSG midfielder advised the controversial striker to be on his best behaviour at the summer showpiece in Poland and Ukraine

Thiago Motta has urged Italy team-mate Mario Balotelli to act responsibly at Euro 2012.

The Manchester City striker is expected to lead the line for the Azzurri at the tournament and while Motta respects Balotelli's quality, he asked his former Inter colleague to control his temper at the Euros.

"Balotelli has not changed anything from his time at Inter, he always makes me angry," Motta told reporters at a press conference.

"He must realise that wearing the shirt of the national team is a big responsibility.

"He must be aware that with his characteristics, he can help us reach the next level in terms of quality, helping his team-mates on the field.

"Another key member of the team is Andrea Pirlo, who plays in a simple but effective way. We have to help him."

Questioned about Italy's playing style, Motta said: "Catenaccio or not, I would like to remind everyone that the previous Italy teams won many things.

"Since he joined us, coach Cesare Prandelli has always asked us to play the ball, but I think that playing well or playing badly matters little in the end.

"The most important thing is always to win."

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder then commented on Italy's Euro 2012 opener against Spain, saying that his side face a difficult task against La Roja.

"Spain are a great side, we know how they play, but it will certainly not be easy to defeat them," Motta noted.

"But Italy also have a great squad. We must step onto the pitch and try to do our best."

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