'Peter Pan' Balotelli cool before England match

By Andrew Dampf

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, June 23 2012 11:25 a.m. MDT

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Italy's Mario Balotelli, right, signs autographs at the end of a training session in view of the Euro 2012 soccer quarterfinal match between Italy and England in Krakow, Poland, Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Gregorio Borgia, Associated Press

Summary

While likening himself to Peter Pan off the pitch, Italy's often volatile striker Mario Balotelli is showing surprising focus in pure football terms before Sunday's showdown with a familiar England squad.

KIEV, Ukraine — While likening himself to Peter Pan off the pitch, Italy's often volatile striker Mario Balotelli is showing surprising focus in pure football terms before Sunday's showdown with a familiar England squad.

The 21-year-old forward met the media for the first time Saturday at the European Championship and revealed how much "fun" it's going to be facing three of his Manchester City teammates in the quarterfinals — England goalkeeper Joe Hart, center back Joleon Lescott and midfielder James Milner.

Balotelli adds, "They know me and I know them. I just hope we win. Even though they're my teammates, I hope they're going to lose."

Told about a label his agent had placed on him, Balotelli accepted the comparison, saying "I am a bit of a Peter Pan, because I'm free."

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