Inter Milan´s tennage star Balotelli can be great, says Lippi

Inter Milan’s teenage forward Mario Balotelli is an Italy star of the future according to national team coach Marcello Lippi.

Lippi, the man who guided Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, is preparing his squad for their first two World Cup 2010 qualifiers, in Cyprus on Saturday and then at home to Georgia on September 10.

And although he didn’t call up the 18 year-old Ghana-born player to his squad, he believes that Balotelli has a bright future ahead of him.

“Among the list of 50 players we’re keeping an eye on there’s Balotelli because he’s a promising young player who I like a lot, I can see him becoming a great player,” said Lippi.

Balotelli has actually been called up to the Italy under-21 squad and is happy to be a part of the national team set-up but he is aiming higher.

“Wearing the blue shirt of the national team is the dream for every one of us here and I will do everything to make it a reality,” he said.