A gifted Ghanaian-born Italian international, Mario Balotelli is a muscular, skilful striker with a strong right-foot shot who left FC Internazionale Milano for Manchester City FC in August 2010.

• Born in Sicily as Mario Barwuah to Ghanaian parents, he was adopted and brought up by an Italian family; made debut in Serie C1 for AC Lumezzane at 15 and joined Inter soon afterwards.

• In 2007/08, under coach Roberto Mancini, he made his first appearances both in Serie A (on 16 December 2007 away to Cagliari Calcio) and the Coppa Italia, becoming the joint-top scorer in the latter competition with four goals and helping his team win the Scudetto.

• Officially became an Italian citizen on turning 18 in August 2008; scored on his Under-21 debut for Italy the following month in a 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Greece. Was also on target twice in the second leg of the play-off against Israel, thus securing Italy's passage to the finals in Sweden, where he played in three games and scored once – against the hosts, followed by a red card.

• Highly influential in second half of 2008/09 Scudetto-winning campaign under José Mourinho, scoring eight goals in 13 games. Won treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League the following year.

• Made Italy debut on 10 August 2010 in a friendly against Ivory Coast in London; joined City for a reported €28m three days later.

Did you know?
Balotelli turned down an offer to play for Ghana at international level, preferring to represent Italy.