AC Milan strikers lead Italy against Netherlands

Balotelli marked his first match for Milan since his transfer from Manchester City by scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Udinese on Sunday and he thinks he can work well with El Shaarawy.

El Shaarawy was fouled in the area to set up Balotelli's match-winning injury-time penalty.

"Playing with me could work because I'm quite a generous player," Balotelli said about their partnership at Milan. "He could score a lot and so could I."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli also is pleased at Balotelli's return to Italy, if only because it will be easier to keep an eye on the enigmatic striker.

"I am happy for him because I see he is more motivated and happy. And in Milan we can keep a better eye on him, both on and off the pitch," Prandelli said. "Our job as coaches is to find the right chemistry and partners but we have little time ... so it is great that Balotelli and El Shaarawy already play together for their club."

Prandelli is even ready to adopt the Milan duo's hairstyle if they carry the Azzurri to World Cup victory in Rio next year.

"If we win the World Cup with them, I'll cut my hair into two crests," he said.

Wednesday's match at Amsterdam Arena is a chance for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal to look to the future of the Dutch midfield, with veterans Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart not selected because of a recent lack of playing time.