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MANCHESTER, England, April 1 (Reuters) - Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has promised to change his temperamental behaviour and will return to the squad this weekend after being dropped, his manager Roberto Mancini said on Friday.

Balotelli has tested the patience of his boss in his first season at the club, picking up two red cards including one against Dynamo Kiev which played a major part in the side’s exit from the Europa League last month.

He was subsequently left out of the City squad as well as the Italy squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia and friendly with Ukraine.

“All the strikers will be available,” Mancini told a news conference when asked whether the 20-year-old Balotelli would feature in Sunday’s Premier League match at home to Sunderland.

“I hope that after Dynamo Kiev his behaviour will be good. I think he wants to show he can change his behaviour in the last two months because he lost also the national team for two games. It’s not a good thing for a young player like Mario.”

Mancini said he had spoken to Balotelli privately and had been assured that his conduct would improve.

“I think his behaviour for the future will be good,” said the Italian, whose team are fourth in the table with 53 points, trailing leaders Manchester United by 10 points. (Reporting by Sonia Oxley; Editing by Clare Fallon; To comment on this story: sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

Labels: Balotelli, behaviour, better, return, Reuters