Cesare Prandelli has admitted he regularly tells Mario Balotelli he has no time for him.
The Italy coach believes he is the only person who can effectively handle the enigmatic striker because of the way he treats him as a person.
“I often say to Balotelli, jokingly, that maybe I’m the only one capable of managing him,” Prandelli told reporters.
“Perhaps it is because I have such little time for him.”
The Azzurri boss also heavily hinted that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti and AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy will feature in the friendly against France.
He added: “If we don’t try these kids now, then when will we do it?”
Italy host Didier Deschamps’ side at Ennio Tardini stadium on Wednesday.