Mario Balotelli took care of some personal business before the World Cup starts, proposing to his Belgian girlfriend Fanny Neguesha early yesterday morning.

"She said yes," the Italy striker posted on Instagram. "The most important yes in my life."

"That was the place of my question! I Love you and happy birthday too!" Balotelli added, next to a picture of a romantic beach setting.

Balotelli also posted a picture of a diamond ring on Neguesha's hand.

Neguesha, a model born in Belgium of an Italian father and a mother of Congolese-Rwandan-Egyptian extraction, said on Instagram: "Tonight, I said the most important yes of my life. That was the best present for my birthday! I love you first and unique husband."

Neither the date nor the place where they will get married was revealed.

Balotelli's next significant date is the opening group game against England in Manaus on Saturday.

At training, Italy's squad applauded Balotelli and he responded with a wave of his hand and a wide smile. Then teammates Antonio Candreva, Ciro Immobile and Ignazio Abate went over to offer a congratulatory hug.

Balotelli continued to smile as he ran alongside Immobile and chatted with the forward who is posing a challenge to his lineup spot.

Earlier this year, Balotelli acknowledged he has a daughter, Pia, from a previous relationship with Raffaella Fico.

Coach Cesare Prandelli has opened Italy's training base in Brazil to wives and girlfriends.

Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne combined for all five goals when Italy beat Brazilian club Fluminense in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday, whereas Balotelli hasn't scored for the national team since October.

"Clearly we have some healthy competition up front," Prandelli said on Monday. "Everyone has a chance. Whoever doesn't play will have to accept the choices. ... Potentially there could be a lot of stars in this squad."

Two years ago, Balotelli's goals helped Italy reach the final of the European Championship. But the temperamental forward is coming off an inconsistent season with AC Milan, while Immobile led Serie A with 22 goals for Torino then signed with German power Borussia Dortmund a few days before flying to Brazil.

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