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West Ham and Tottenham target Mario Balotelli showed the best and worst of his game as he scored and got sent off for Italy U21s against Sweden on Friday.

Throughout the European U21 Championship we will be compiling scouting reports on some of the continent's biggest talents.

Background:

Mario Balotelli is an Italy U21 international who is highly regarded across Europe due to his searing pace and fine technical ability.

Balotelli, born in Palermo to Ghanaian parents but adopted by an Italian family, has performed well for the U21's although did not feature until this season due to passport issues.

Balotelli began his career with Lumezzane, and made his senior debut at the age of 15, before current club Internazionale signed him for 340,000 euros. (£287,000) in 2006.

The 19-year-old has had a series of run-ins with Inter boss Jose Mourinho and his bad behaviour seems to have extended to national team affairs after he turned up late for the Under-21 training camp.

The forward's persistent ill discipline culminated in Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi giving him a public warning.

"I hope he has understood you cannot throw away a talent like him," Casiraghi said. "I don't know how many other chances I will give him."

Balotelli has endured a torrid time at Inter, with fans of some Serie A clubs taunting him about his heritage, and he may now be ready to look for pastures new.

The best and the worst of Balotelli was encapsulated by a 38-minute cameo in the first half of Italy U21's match against Sweden.

Balotelli produced a sublime piece of skill to open the scoring, before being shown a red card for an absurd and inexcusable display of tempestuous bravado, kicking at an opponent after a lengthy argument.

But for his aberration in Friday's match, Balotelli looked capable of producing more magic when provided with the opportunity.

Key moments:

23' - After a very subdued start to the match, Balotelli collected the ball on the edge of the Sweden penalty area, cut inside with a deft first touch, before curling an exquisite finish into the far corner.

38' - Balotelli petulantly lashed out at Rasmus Bengtsson 15 minutes later while the pair were on the ground following a tussle for the ball, and referee Tony Chapron brandished a straight red card.

Dribbling - 7/10

Pace - 8/10

Movement - 7/10

Temperament - 1/10

Finishing - 9/10

Approximate value: £20m

Proposed destinations: Everton, Tottenham, West Ham Atletico Madrid

OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS IN ACTION

ITALY (v Sweden)

Sebastian Giovinco - The midfielder was the heartbeat of an Italian side which never looked short of battling qualities or intensity. Giovinco proved adept at breaking up the play and surging forward with the ball, releasing team mates down the flanks and in behind Sweden's defence. A powerful shot from distance and a devilish delivery from set pieces makes Giovinco an integral part of the Italy side.

Robert Aquafresca - The forward came close with a glancing header and a drilled shot from a tight angle early in the game, but produced a clinical finish when his team required some inspiration. Aquafresca rose beyond Mattias Bjarsmyr to perfectly execute a powerful header to double Italy's lead, and score what would prove to be the winning goal. He looked a threat throughout, and coupled tireless running and endeavour with his good first touch and awareness.

SWEDEN (v Italy)

Ola Toivonen - The Sweden midfielder's 89th-minute strike was the culmination of a fine team goal, and demonstrated his instinctive positioning around the box. Toivonen is a bundle of energy, and has the physical presence to dominate in midfield, turning defence into attack with a good turn of pace. Seemingly aerial ball was snaffled by the midfielder, who was the driving force behind Sweden's resurgence in the final 15 minutes, though it would prove to be in vain.

SERBIA (v Belarus)

Zoran Tosic - The winger was a glimmer of hope in a desperately turgid affair in Malmo, between two teams apparently determined to counter attack at the expense of applying pressure themselves. Tosic used his electric pace to collect the ball from deep and run at the Belarus wing backs, frequently swapping wings and roaming behind the strikers.

Raring found tracking back, this may have been an approach stemming from the team's strategy, of which Tosic was the focal point. That or the winger is reluctant to put in a wholesome shift at both ends of the pitch.

Dan Quarrell / Eurosport