Massimiliano Allegri: 'Mario Balotelli must improve mentally'

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has claimed that Mario Balotelli must improve mentally.

The Italian boss praised Balotelli for his selfless work against Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday in order to accommodate new signing Alessandro Matri.

Allegri says the 23-year-old can form a partnership with the new man but must take on the responsibility of being in the team every week for the first time in his career.

"Balotelli sacrificed himself a lot for the team in the last game with Matri," Allegri told reporters.

"It's his first year that he's always in the starting lineup and he has to improve from a mental point of view as now he's the main player we have, and he has to show on the pitch every three days that he is the best.

"The understanding between the two is good and it will get better over time. We shouldn't forget that [against Celtic] was the first game they played together."

Milan's next game is against Serie A leaders Napoli tomorrow evening.