Mancini backs Balotelli to be great

Roberto Mancini knows Mario Balotelli's departure could harm Manchester City's title hopes but believes the move to AC Milan is what the forward needs.

The 22-year-old Italian will have a medical with the Serie A giants on Wednesday as he prepares to return to his homeland after two and a half years in the north west. The move will cost Milan around £20million and Mancini is aware of the adverse affect it could have on his side's chances of retaining the title.

"It is difficult because I lost one important striker and that could be important in the next 14 games," Mancini said.

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