"Adriano is working individually to try and be ready for the Coppa Italia game against Genoa on Tuesday," Mourinho told a Press conference on Friday.

The Portuguese tactician assured that Balotelli is not being neglected this season as recent reports suggested.

"Balotelli? He has played 13 matches and a total of 712 minutes - that's double the amount Julio Cruz has had and triple that of Hernan Crespo," the former Chelsea manager added.

Opportunity

Mourinho assured that 19-year-old hitman Balotelli is going to have a fair opportunity to carve out a name with the Nerazzurri.

"Mario will have his chances. I don't know if he doesn't want to stay at Inter or whether it's his brother, who is his agent, saying that," he said

"On the pitch though you need to be independent and to use your own brain."

Defending champions Inter are topping the Serie A table with 42 points, six clear of second-placed Juventus.