Riccardo Montolivo: 'Mario Balotelli will prove himself at World Cup'

Riccardo Montolivo has claimed that Italy striker Mario Balotelli is ready to prove himself at the World Cup.

Questions have been raised over Balotelli's performances on the international stage in recent times, but Montolivo, who will miss the tournament due to a broken leg, believes that his AC Milan teammate will deliver in Brazil.

"Balotelli can express his potential through consistency," the 29-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It has been hard for him to concentrate only on the pitch but the World Cup can be a great opportunity for Mario and a turning point in his career. He may prove a lot in this World Cup."

Italy's campaign begins against England in Manaus on Saturday night.