Mario Balotelli targets Italy goalscoring record

AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has hinted that he is setting his sights on becoming Italy's all-time leading goalscorer.

Gigi Riva currently holds the record, having scored 35 goals in 42 international appearances.

Balotelli, who has scored eight goals in 20 caps for his country, has admitted that it will be a tough task to overtake Riva's total.

"Riva's 35 strikes are a lot, especially when you consider how few games you have at your disposal internationally," Soccerway quotes Balotelli as saying.

"I'll certainly try to overtake that tally, but it will be extremely difficult for me to do so."

Balotelli is expected to feature when Italy face the Czech Republic in their World Cup qualifier on Friday evening.