The City forward was controversially overlooked by coach Cesare Prandelli for this week's international friendly against the United States - a decision which attracted more criticism when the Azzurri were beaten.

Prandelli publicly cited the 21-year-old's indiscipline as his reason for the omission and Mancini, who has had words with the player about the same subject, agreed Balotelli "should improve his behaviour".

But Mancini, himself a former Italy striker, does not think Prandelli could have anyone better to spearhead the challenge in Poland and Ukraine this summer than the enigmatic Balotelli.

Mancini said: "Mario is the best striker in Italy, there is not another striker in Italy better than him.

"I don't think Italy can leave him at home - I don't think Prandelli can do this.

"For me, there are few players in Europe like Mario, with his talent."

Balotelli only returned to Barclays Premier League action after a four-match domestic ban for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker in January last week.

The forward impressed with a disciplined and goalscoring performance in the leaders' win over Blackburn and Mancini now hopes this latest jolt will further focus his mind for the months ahead.

Mancini said: "In my opinion, he was upset. It was not my decision, it was Prandelli's decision and he has his reasons.

"I think we should arrive at the point where Mario only plays football.

"In this moment I trust him, he is a good guy. Maybe he can make some mistakes but I trust him.

"Last year, in the last two months he played very well.

"I hope we can have the same situation like last year and to have all the strikers in form is important now."

Balotelli will again compete for a starting spot with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko as City look to increase their lead at the top to five points against Bolton at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

The trio, who all struck against Blackburn, have scored 52 goals between them in all competitions this season.

Yet in the coming weeks they may all face a further fight for their places as former captain Carlos Tevez strives for match fitness.

The Argentinian is back in training following the closure of his dispute with the club and Mancini believes he is another fortnight away from match fitness.

Mancini does not think does not think the continuing publicity surrounding Tevez will detract from the title challenge.

He said: "We can't think this. If Carlo finds his form in two or three weeks, I think he will be ready for us in the last six or seven games.

"I think he will want to show he can play with the top squad, also for the next year.

Next week's trip to Swansea had been considered a possible comeback target for Tevez but that is now unlikely.

City's next league game after that is against Chelsea on March 19 but that could yet be postponed if the London club are still involved in the FA Cup.

Aguero was bought last summer as a potential replacement for Tevez, who was seeking a move.

There is now a possibility the pair could link up together, along with Balotelli in a fearsome forward line, as City look to clinch the title.

Mancini said: "If you play with these three strikers it is clear you should work very hard in the middle, but they have the attitude they can play together.

"We know Carlos is a top striker but in this moment he needs to train and it is important, in this moment, all our strikers score goals and are in form."

With 12 games remaining and just a two-point advantage over Manchester United heading into this weekend's fixtures, Mancini accepts there is little room for error in the title race.

If the battle remains this tight, the clash of the two Manchester clubs on April 30 could prove decisive.

Mancini said: "Probably - it could be. I don't know what will happen in these nine games before United, but I think United will win 11 games from now until the end. We need to do the same."