The Azzurri midfielder was delighted with his young team-mate scoring the winner on Sunday, but criticised his goal-celebration style
Riccardo Montolivo feels his AC Milan team-mate Mario Balotelli was “naive” during Italy’s 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Confederations Cup.
The Italy man marked his game-winning goal with his signature muscle-flexing pose afterwards which resulted in a needless booking from referee Enrique Osses.
However, Montolivo believes the former Manchester City man can get away with this behaviour as long as he continues to score goals.
“Mario was naive but has done very well, as long as he scores that’s okay,” the 28-year-old told reporters.
“We had a good performance overall. We were able to enforce our game even after the draw.
“The conditions are improving and we like what we have seen on the pitch, we hope to build up on that day after day.”
The Azzurri are currently preparing for their next match in the tournament against Japan, which will be played on June 19 in Recife, Brazil.