Materazzi was at Inter when Balotelli broke through like a young player.
“Mario is like a son for me: I love him,” Materazzi told Olbg. “We now have the same friendly relationship. He still plays for Genoa. I have never seen a young player at the age of 17, such as Mario.
“He was incredible: he played as if he had five years of experience. Strong, fast, with a fantastic technique. But he got lost along the way because he had won everything at the age of 17.
“Then he went to Manchester City, Milan, Liverpool … At that time he needed a staircase, a reality check. He needed my rules. At that time he was not happy with that, but now he lovingly reminds me. I believe I taught him the rules.”
Balotelli spent last season with Genoa.