Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has praised Mario Balotelli's attitude ahead of the Euro 2012 final against Spain.
Balotelli needs one more goal to take the lead in the Golden Boot standings, knowing achieving that aim would take Italy a long way towards lifting the trophy.
It has seemed the 21-year-old has thrived on the responsibility Prandelli has afforded him during these championships, and his semi-final double was proof of that.
The Italy coach feels Balotelli has found the perfect platform to display his talents.
"We have always felt he had great ability," said Prandelli.
"He has found a set-up where he can talk to great champions, who have won a lot of trophies and achieved a lot.
"There comes a time when you have to be brave enough to accept other people's advice because the result becomes paramount.
"We have asked him to do certain things, and at this moment in time, he is doing them."
Italy skipper Gianluigi Buffon has also hailed Balotelli for his willingness to work for the Italian cause.
"Mario has done very well thus far," said Buffon.
"He has great natural talent and that is a fantastic starting point for him.
"But he's also come into a squad where there are a lot of star players, not only on the footballing side but in general.
"In addition, he has been able to work with a coach who, in a number of ways, has managed to get the best out him.
"Mario deserves the most credit because he's really worked hard and wanted to succeed."
Meanwhile, Prandelli has dismissed the growing allegation that Spain are a boring team.
"That assessment comes from the fact the same side has always been winning," he said.
"I don't think they are boring in any way, shape or form."
Prandelli also revealed Italy had not arrived in Kiev from their Krakow base until 3am.
However, they arrived to a message of good luck from Italian president from Giorgio Napolitano, who has invited the players to an official function in Rome on Monday afternoon.
