Mario Balotelli's unconventional behaviour has earned him as much publicity as his exceptional footballing ability. An unpredictable, skilful striker, he has enhanced his maverick profile at Manchester City FC following an eventful period at FC Internazionale Milano. Although yet to start a competitive international, he appears UEFA EURO 2012-bound with Italy.

• Born in Sicily as Mario Barwuah to Ghanaian parents, he was adopted and brought up by an Italian family; made debut in Serie C1 for AC Lumezzane at 15 and joined Inter soon afterwards.

• In 2007/08, under coach Roberto Mancini, he made his first appearances both in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, becoming the joint-top scorer in the latter competition with four goals and helping his team win the Scudetto.

• Officially became an Italian citizen on turning 18 in August 2008; scored on his Under-21 debut for Italy the following month in a 2009 UEFA European Championship qualifier against Greece, twice in the second leg of the play-off against Israel and once at the finals in Sweden, where he was also sent off, as the Azzurrini reached the semi-finals.

• Highly influential in the second half of Inter's 2008/09 Scudetto-winning campaign under José Mourinho, scoring eight goals in 13 games, and won the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League the following year.

• Made his senior Italy debut on 10 August 2010, two days before his 20th birthday, in a friendly against the Ivory Coast in London; registered his first goal on 11 November 2011 in a 2-0 victory against Poland, the first international staged at the new Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

• Ended his first season at Manchester City, following a reported €28m transfer from Inter in August 2010, by helping the Citizens to victory in the FA Cup final − the club's first major silverware for 35 years.