Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has called on Mario Balotelli to replace his scowl with a smile.

Even when he has performed at the level anticipated from a player who was this week crowned Tuttosport's 'Golden Boy', an award previously collected by Lionel Messi, the Manchester City striker rarely looks happy with life.

It is a trait Mancini feels the 20-year-old must get rid of if he is to secure star status amongst the City support.

"You need to smile to play football," said Mancini. "That is the best thing you can do and Mario must improve in this situation."

Mancini does not have a problem with Balotelli's ultra-high confidence. But he does feel it would be better if he was matching his words with actions on a regular basis.

"It is good when a player has confidence in himself," he said. "Mario Balotelli has everything you need to be one of the best players in the world.

"But he must improve and he must show it. Only if you play well in every game can you say these things. It depends on him. The Premier League is so different from the Italian league. Mario must understand. If he thinks what he says he must show it in every game."

(source : premier league)