Mancini reserves ultimate praise for Balotelli

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has reserved the ultimate praise for Italian striker Mario Balotelli, placing the forward within the "top five players in the world".

Roberto Mancini quickly moved to offer praise to Balotelli, despite his off the field problems.

The Italian was outstanding during City's 6-1 victory over Man Utd.

"If we want to talk about Mario the football player, we can put him in the first five players in the world," Mancini said.

"I hope for him and for football that Mario can change his mind completely. After this, he can become one of the best players in the world like Messi and Ronaldo.

"The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He's Mario. He's crazy - but I love him because he's a good guy.

"I am happy for him because he scored two important goals, because he played well, because he was serious on the pitch."