Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino has advised Mario Balotelli to change his ways otherwise risk losing his best years as a footballer.
The Manchester City youngster is frequently in the headlines for the wrong reasons and was left out of Cesare Prandelli's latest Italy squad.
"I know Balotelli very well and he undoubtedly has great technical gifts," Gilardino said.
"He must learn to slow down and control himself otherwise there is the risk that he will lose himself.
Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino has advised Mario Balotelli to change his ways otherwise risk losing his best years as a footballer.
The Manchester City youngster is frequently in the headlines for the wrong reasons and was left out of Cesare Prandelli's latest Italy squad.
"I know Balotelli very well and he undoubtedly has great technical gifts," Gilardino said.
"He must learn to slow down and control himself otherwise there is the risk that he will lose himself.
"As footballers we know that we have to be an example to those who watch us and in particular the kids," Gilardino concluded.