Italian media hails the return of 'Super Mario'

Balotelli set up Riccardo Montolivo's opener as well as scoring Italy's final goal in his first international match since the European Championship final loss to Spain.

It was also Balotelli's first match at the San Siro since leaving Inter Milan for Manchester City two years ago.

Balotelli says "it's always special for me to play at San Siro, it's a great stadium. One which gives you more emotion. Is it nicer than English stadiums? Yes, there it's a different atmosphere."

Balotelli missed qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta after undergoing eye surgery, then sat out Friday's win in Armenia because he had a fever.