El Shaarawy keen to link up with Balotelli

Italy’s Stephan El Shaarawy is hoping to forge a strong international partnership with Manchester City ace Mario Balotelli

The pair is part of Italy’s squad for their friendly against France in Parma on Wednesday.

AC Milan’s El Shaarawy is the joint leading goalscorer in Serie A, with eight goals, and is aiming to replicate his domestic form at international level.

“I am at the complete disposal of the coach (Cesare Prandell),” El Shaaraway told reporters.

“At Milan I have learned how to alternate attacking and defensive phases. I hope to do well with Balotelli. Prandelli has given me all of his instructions and now I have to prove my quality.”

France boss Didier Deschamps has also spoken ahead of the clash and remains uncertain what approach Italy will adopt, while stressing the importance of getting a result.

“When you take on a team like Italy, who are one of the best in the world, there are always special expectations and it requires a particular level of concentration,” he said.

“I don’t know exactly what to expect from Italy. In terms of systems they can adapt with a three-man defence or a 4-3-3. I’m certain Cesare Prandelli will choose a very attacking side.

“It is a friendly, but the result is always important.”