The Nerazzurri coach is optimistic about his side’s future and fears Mario Balotelli could throw away his career just like Adriano

Roberto Mancini has warned that Mario Balotelli is in danger of wasting his entire career unless he changes his attitude significantly.

The Liverpool striker has had a tumultuous career, having been no stranger to controversy and had fall outs with Jose Mourinho during his time at Inter as well as Mancini when the pair worked together at Manchester City. 

The Italy striker was deemed suprlus to requirements at AC Milan before being sold to the Reds in the summer for €20 million, where he has failed to make any kind of impression.

Mancini says he has been surprised by the 24-year-old’s demise and feels he is in danger of falling even further.

“I have not heard from Mario since we worked together at Manchester City,” he told Corriere della Sera.

“He was still a kid when we were together at Inter. He would do anything I asked him and he also behaved well at City. It has all gone downward a bit since he left City. I thought he would do well at Milan, but it didn’t happen. 

“Mario is at risk of following the same path as Adriano. I hope that he wakes up one morning and realises that he is wasting everything.”

Mancini returned to Inter this season after replacing Walter Mazzarri at the helm and the Giuseppe Meazza side currently sit only ninth in the Italian top flight.

However, Mancini has little doubt they are destined for greatness again in the not too distant future and thinks they can fight for domestic glory again next term.

“Inter need time in order to become great again,” he added.

“We lost the first two games, but have rapidly made progress. We are taking the right steps. I am here at Inter because I think the club can become great again.

“It irritates me a bit to talk about finishing third this season, but Inter will be challenging for the Serie A title again next season.”