Motta: Balotelli must be a team player

Italy midfielder Thiago Motta says he hopes that erratic striker Mario Balotelli can be a team player at Euro 2012 as the Azzurri prepare to start out against holders Spain on Sunday. "He's the one who can give us that little extra bit of quality - but he must realise he has to help his teammates on the pitch," said Paris Saint Germain star Motta of the moody Manchester City forward. "As he did in our time at Inter he bugs me with his jokes - and not just me! "But off the pitch he is a charming lad," Motta insisted. Motta was irked when Balotelli tweaked his teammate's tie as the squad had their official tournament picture taken and rubbed fellow forward Antonio Cassano on the head. But Motta says his wayward teammate does have much to bring to the table. "We need him - let him work for the team. He needs to know he has a responsibility in defending Italian colours on the pitch."