Balotelli: I need help

The 20-year-old was excluded from the national side in the wake of his red card in City's Europa League second-leg clash against Dynamo Kiev.

"I spoke to Balotelli," Prandelli said. "He realised that he had made a stupid mistake.

"He told me: 'I need help - I always spoil everything'."

Daniele De Rossi of Roma was also left out of Prandelli's squad to face Slovenia in a Euro 2012 qualifier after being sent off in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk.

However Prandelli handed both players an olive branch, saying that they could be recalled as soon as the next game.

"The code of ethics applies to one game," he said. "It is quite possible that they can be with us for the match against Ukraine on Tuesday."

Italy play Slovenia in qualifying on March 25 in Hudinja and four days later head continue to Kiev for an international friendly.