Lippi: Balotelli needs to wake up

The former Italy boss feels that the Manchester City attacker has plenty of talent, but added that it is time for the forward to prove his worth on the pitch.Marcello Lippi has insisted that Mario Balotelli needs to wake up if the Manchester City attacker wants to make the most of his career.The former Italy boss believes that the 21-year-old has the quality to play for the best teams in the world, but feels that Balotelli is not doing his utmost to succeed, despite the great care of City manager Roberto Mancini.\"I hope that he [Balotelli] will wake up soon. He\'d be better off letting his talent on the field speak for itself,\" Lippi stated to World Football.\"He could play in any club in the world. Because of his ability he\'ll be in much demand.\"I think Mancini looked after him almost as a father would and it\'s a pity he hasn\'t realised just how many great things he could achieve.\"Balotelli recently made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was dismissed in the 1-0 loss against Arsenal after a string of reckless challenges.The striker is now suspended for three games after picking up the red card.