Italy coach Cesare Prandelli insists temperamental striker Mario Balotelli will be an integral part of the national side for this summer's European Championships.
Manchester City's Balotelli had been excluded from the Azzurri squad in February for a violation of team ethics over his stamp on Tottenham's Scott Parker during a Premier League clash.
However, Prandelli maintained Balotelli was never out of contention for a place in the Italy squad that is set to face the Republic of Ireland in Group C at the Euros. That match will take in Poznan on Monday, 18 June
The Italian boss said: "I never really thought of doing this without Balotelli, as he is a focal point of the national team."
"Have I made peace with Balotelli? Yes, although to be honest we never argued in the first place.
"I was pleased that he took responsibility with his statements after the latest incident at Manchester City. I like those who stand up and accept responsibility for their actions."
