After Mario Balotelli scored two stunning goals in the semi-final of the 2012 European Championships against Germany, a member of staff at his club Manchester City offered a startlingly frank opinion. 'Don’t worry,' he said, 'He will still be useless when he comes back to us. He just hasn’t got it.' Two summers – and a change of club – later, question remarks remain. Big game player: Mario Balotelli lit up Euro 2012 with a stunning strike against Italy in the semi-final Suitable: And the celebration in Warsaw fitted his colourful persona, too... Bench life: But things never really worked out for Balotelli at Manchester City
@highlight
Balotelli's ability was often doubted at Manchester City
@highlight
The striker is determined to be taken seriously at the World Cup
@highlight
Has already made telling contribution in 2014 against England
@highlight
Italy face Costa Rica on Friday looking for another win
Many in Italy still view @placeholder as a side show.