Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has admitted that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli remains a part of his Euro 2012 plans.
The striker was left out of the Azzuri's squad for the recent defeat to the USA as a punishment for his four-match ban for kicking out at Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker in January.
However, the controversial 22-year-old recently came out to express his desire to play for the national side and clean up his act.
"I'm happy with what Mario said about the national side and his desire to be part of the group," Prandelli told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I wasn't wanting an apology. I just want all the players to have the respect for the rules which have been put into place.
"Mario knows that I consider him to be an important player. I speak about him as a first teamer, but there has to be some guarantees that I can count on him."
Italy's next friendly as preparation for Euro 2012 is at home to Russia on Friday, June 1.
Jack Prescott
