Roberto Mancini has claimed that Nice striker Mario Balotelli should be at the level of Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Balotelli worked with Mancini at both Manchester City and Inter Milan but so far has found it difficult to fulfil his vast potential, with concerns being raised about his attitude.
As reported by Football Italia, Mancini said: “Mario is a really good kid, but a bit ruled by his instinct. Apart from when he does something daft… but those can happen when you’re young.
“He has so much quality that, when he started, he should’ve been at the level of Ronaldo. If he isn’t there now, then at least some of that is his own fault.
“Now he is 26 years old and can do a little more.”
Balotelli has shown some signs of maturing at Nice this season, scoring 16 goals in 26 games
across all competitions.
The 26-year-old disclosed that he has good memories of being managed by Mancini, under whom he won the Premier League title in 2012.
Balotelli said: “When we won the Premier League title with Manchester City is my happiest memory of Mancini.
“Having said that, I have many memories of the Coach, both at Inter and Manchester City, mostly of him telling me off!
“I had a few problems over the last two seasons and played really badly. Now I am back on track, let’s say.”
Balotelli has been clinical in front of goal this season, as showcased by his average shot accuracy of 74% in Serie A. He has, however, found it rather difficult to get past opposing defenders at times, succeeding with just 28% of the take-ons that he has attempted.
Nice, who are third in Ligue 1, face Marseille away on Sunday.
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