Cesare Prandelli is taking Italy's ‘code of ethics' very seriously, barring Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli from games against Slovenia and Ukraine.
In October the Coach announced he would be implementing a code of ethics for the Azzurri, warning the players would be dropped if they acted in a manner unbecoming of the international jersey.
He will name his squad for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Slovenia and the March 29 friendly trip to Ukraine this weekend, but two star names won't be there.
Cesare Prandelli is taking Italy's ‘code of ethics' very seriously, barring Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli from games against Slovenia and Ukraine.
In October the Coach announced he would be implementing a code of ethics for the Azzurri, warning the players would be dropped if they acted in a manner unbecoming of the international jersey.
He will name his squad for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Slovenia and the March 29 friendly trip to Ukraine this weekend, but two star names won't be there.
Balotelli was hoping to make his comeback after a long injury lay-off, but is dropped following his shocking red card for Manchester City.
SuperMario was sent off just 36 minutes into the Europa League game with Dinamo Kiev for a chest-high tackle.
Roma midfielder De Rossi is also dropped after his three-match UEFA ban for elbowing Darijo Srna during the Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Although the ban does not extend to other competitions, Prandelli is freezing De Rossi out for breaking the code of ethics.
It is reported the Italy boss will call in some new names, such as Milan full-back Ignazio Abate and Cesena midfielder Marco Parolo.