Mario Balotelli's Euro 2012 so far – in pictures

In Balotelli's most recent prank he teamed up with team-mate Antonio Di Natale to grab the legs of Antonio Cassano to send the forward tumbling to the ground during training Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images

During Wednesday's training session he didn't seem to be too keen to join in with the press-ups ... Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Though he seemed to enjoy moving the goal posts Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

The striker is the centre of attention at an autograph session Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Maybe Balotelli and Alessandro Diamanti have been watching some martial arts films and they're trying out a couple of the holds Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

And maybe he's been watching a few too many Carry On films too Photograph: Tony Gentile/Reuters

With all the joking around, it's easy to forget that, first and foremost, he's a skillful and talented footballer who scores goals. As so aptly demonstrated by his wonderful volley while under pressure against the Republic of Ireland Photograph: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

Though controversy wasn't that far away, as during the celebration Leonardo Bonucci covered Balotelli's mouth in case the moment got too much for the Italian striker and he said something he would regret. Bonucci subsequently said: 'I took care of him in his moment of celebration against Ireland and he thanked me for that … Unfortunately, sometimes he does some stupid things but he's instinctive and he's still a good lad' Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

During the game he also found time to joke with Shay Given, or maybe he just is ticklish Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

He does enjoy training sessions, as well as a bit of bling Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Diamanti checks out Balotelli's hair do Photograph: Adam Ciereszko/EPA

Here he picks on someone his own size during a training session Photograph: Maurizio Brambatti/EPA

He's looking cool, calm and collected before the game against Spain, with the emphasis on cool Photograph: Gero Breloer/AP

He should try harder to listen during team talks, though. Andrea Pirlo looks like he's about to tell him that in no uncertain terms Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

He does have a fine and delicate touch for a big striker Photograph: Alex Grimm/Getty Images

With his head as well as his feet Photograph: Bartlomiej Zborowski/EPA

Though he's not always graceful, as Spain's Gerard Piqué found out the hard way Photograph: Radek Pietruszka/EPA

The Italian fans like him Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Next up: Balotelli will be facing some of his club team-mates when England and Italy meet in their quarter final. No doubt they will try and wind him up but they also know not to underestimate him. Manchester City's James Milner said: 'He is very strong, shooting-wise ... he is tricky, a clever player. He is a danger. There are two Marios. There is one who turns up sometimes in training and it is a bit cold and he is not too interested. The other time he really wants it, as I'm sure he will against England, and he is a special talent' Photograph: Gregorio Borgia/AP