KRAKOW: Italy's unpredictable Mario Balotelli causes controversy even when he is silenced but coach Cesare Prandelli believes he can become a "champion" if his litany of immaturities are ironed out. The 21-year-old striker came on as a substitute and hooked in a superb late goal in the 2-0 win over Ireland on Monday which sent Italy into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals. His low-key celebration was typical of his temperamental style, however, and the way Balotelli reacts after scoring his first goal of the tournament, and only his second in 11 Italy games, could be key to his team's chances of going further. Prandelli told a news conference on Tuesday that he would ask the Manchester City forward if his muffled outburst was aimed at the coach who dropped him in favour of Antonio Di Natale. "He has to make a leap of quality and he can be a true champion. He has to accept criticism and the bench," Prandelli said. "The day he realises that no one is trying to hurt him and we all want him to do well, he will make progress," he added. Finding the net could inspire Balotelli or conspire to make him even less likely to pass to his team mates. Italy's quarter-final opponents in Kiev on Sunday, England, will be hoping he is in one of his destructive rather than destructively brilliant moods. — Reuters