Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes that unpredictable striker Mario Balotelli is likely to grow up and settle down, just like his Italy strike partner Antonio Cassano once did, Ireland coach Trappatoni said Sunday.
AC Milan forward Cassano had conflicts with coaches or the board at most of his former clubs, including Roma, Sampdoria and Real Madrid, and became famous for a public dispute with coach Fabio Capello at Roma and Real.
"He [Balotelli] had problems in the past," said Trapattoni. "We've said the same thing about Antonio Cassano in the past. Young boy, who needs to grow up a bit. But I think, Cassano has grown up a lot. We have always had talented players, who are followed by media off the pitch, but, obviously, needed by the team."
Trapattoni said he had had to handle problematic players throughout his coaching career and that they should be allowed to play as long as they don't have a negative influence on the team atmosphere.
Manchester City striker Balotelli, 21, has a long record of disciplinary problems and eccentric behavior on and off the pitch and was sent off twice last season.
