But he has told the goal scoring pair that they cannot afford to rest on their laurels after eye-catching strikes and displays in the demolition of Salzburg.
Two goals from Balotelli, his fourth and fifth in just four starts for the club, and a mesmerising solo effort from Johnson guaranteed the Blues progress from Group A in the Europa League
But the manager wants more from the duo and if they produce it he reckons they will become world stars.
“Mario can play better than that,” declared Mancini post match. “I am delighted with the goals he scored but he can play better.
“The fact that he didn’t celebrate is just him. It is normal for him to score. He does it every day. I think he can run more, take more of his chances and choose different options sometimes when passing. I know there is more to come.”
The same belief applies to Johnson who wrapped up the scoring against the Austrians after beating three players in a fine display of ball control and finishing.
Adam and Mario could become two of the most exciting players in the world if they think on the pitch and sustain their form
...Roberto Mancini
“They must work hard all the time. The goals they scored against Salzburg were really good goals but that match is gone now and they must carry on working and improving as we are as a team.
“In years to come Adam may look back and think ‘Roberto was correct’. I hope that he knows I say these things because I believe in Adam.
“I am glad we have qualified now so we can concentrate on the league my only disappointment was that we didn’t score more goals in the first 20-25 minutes when we had many chances.”
