Montolivo praises ‘magnificent’ Balotelli after 3-1 win over Denmark

Riccardo Montolivo has taken the time to praise Mario Balotelli in the wake of Italy's 3-1 World Cup qualification victory over Denmark at San Siro, Goal.com reports.

"Balotelli was simply magnificent after we had been reduced to 10 players [following Pablo Osvaldo's dismissal]," Montolivo told reporters. "He kept the Denmark defense busy all by himself. He held up the ball very well, chased after long balls and worked incredibly hard for the team.

"If this was the real Mario Balotelli, then we have a bright future ahead of us."

Italy currently tops Group B with 10 points from four games, while Denmark stands fifth with two points from three games.