The former Juventus midfielder gave a lengthy interview to Gazzetta Dello Sport and offered his thoughts on the recent omission of Balotelli over the teenage sensation.
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Balotelli has been in great form since his mid-season switch to Marseille, scoring five times in his first eight games - while Kean impressed with a brace in his first league start last week.
"Balotelli? He put himself back into play and, in my opinion, contention for the national team," Pirlo said.
"If he really accepts he has no more excuses, that alone would be a good sign," he added when explaining what Balotelli should perhaps alter.
"However, in the meantime, it's right that we call up Kean, given his performance in Udine.
"He hasn't wasted the confidence placed in him and when he plays, he often scores goals. He offers a lot."
Italy play their second UEFA Euro 2022 qualifier tonight at the Ennio Tardini against minnows Liechtenstein.