Del Bosque wary of ´peculiar´ Balotelli

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said Mario Balotelli is ‘very peculiar’, but admits he is wary of the Italy striker.

The unorthodox forward scored an outstanding brace against Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-finals, and Spain’s manager is hoping the Manchester City man does not do the same against the world champions in Sunday’s final.

“Balotelli is a peculiar type, very peculiar,” the 61-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I do not know him personally but he is a very complete footballer; fast, technically good, he knows how to dribble and is good in the air.”

Del Bosque has also identified Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano as threats in the competition decider.

“My assistant Toni Grande always talks highly of Cassano, who he worked with whilst assistant to (Fabio) Capello at Real Madrid. He says that he is an extraordinary player.

“Pirlo is a symbol of the Italian national team. He led Juventus to the Scudetto and in this game we must be aware of his quality,” he said.