Balotelli on track to face Denmark

Balotelli was prevented from playing in Italy's 3-1 win away in Armenia last week because of flu-like symptoms.

But the former Inter Milan striker, who has recently been linked with a move back to Italy's Serie A, was given the thumbs-up by team doctors after a weekend of light training.

"Balotelli responded well to tests yesterday and today," Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci told reporters at Italy's training camp near Florence on Sunday.

If selected by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, it would be Balotelli's first international appearance since EURO 2012.

Balotelli was unavailable for selection against Bulgaria and Malta because he underwent laser surgery on his eyes. The striker is short-sighted and decided on surgery because of allergic reactions to contact lenses.

The timing of the operation, however, did not go down well with Prandelli.

"I admit I was upset by Balotelli's decision to have an eye operation the same week that two Italy games were on the horizon," Prandelli told reporters after naming his squad last week.

Sebastian Giovinco replaced Balotelli against Armenia but limped off in the second half with a sore ankle although the Juventus forward is reported to be on the mend.

Against Denmark, Italy will be aiming to make it three consecutive wins, having opened the campaign with a fortuitous 2-2 draw away to Bulgaria last month.

Ahead of the match at the San Siro, Italy sits top of Group B with a two-point lead on Bulgaria and three on Czech Republic, which has played a game less.

Armenia is in fourth on three points while Denmark, which has also played only two qualifiers, is in fifth place. Malta props up the group on no points after three straight defeats.