MARIO BALOTELLI’S  2011 season has, that one fireworks-related incident aside, been characterised by both a marked improvement in his performances for Manchester City and a mellowing of his off-field demeanour.

Attributed to a new sense of perspective, maturity and an overall improvment in squad morale, the 21-year-old’s recent productivity hasn’t just earned him rave reviews in England, it’s caught the attention of both Massimo Moratti and Claudio Ranieri, the chairman and manager of Serie A giants Internazionale (yes, the club that sold him to City in the first place).

Speaking at an event honouring Michel Platini, Moratti suggested that, should the oppportunity present itself, the Nerazzuri wouldn’t hesitate to take Balotelli back.

“If the possibility were there I’d take him back tomorrow morning. I’ve always highly regarded Mario, but it seems to me that his experience in England with Mancini is going very well.”

Ranieri, who succeeded Gian Piero Gasperini as the club’s manager in September, sounded a positive, if caveat-laden, note on the subject when questioned by Corriero dello Sport.

“I’d take him with open arms. He’s an amazing talent, but I haven’t talked to the locker room to see if there’d be an aversion to it… Balotelli can become one of the greatest players in the world, but it’s up to him.”

Balotelli has scored eight times in all competitions for Manchester City this season and returned to the Italian national squad last week for its international friendly with Poland.

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