Roberto Mancini believes Cesare Prandelli “was correct” to warn Mario Balotelli about his behaviour by dropping him ahead of Euro 2012.
Roberto Mancini believes Cesare Prandelli “was correct” to warn Mario Balotelli about his behaviour by dropping him ahead of Euro 2012.
The Manchester City striker was left out of this week’s friendly against the USA for breaking the code of ethics, as he has received bans totalling eight matches this season for reaction fouls.
“I think it is correct. We know that Mario is a top player but he should improve his behaviour,” the City manager told the Daily Mail.
“For the national team it is important. When you go to play in the European Championship and you only play three or five games, you should have good behaviour.
“I think every year he can improve because he is young but, with Mario, in every moment anything can happen.
“But I hope after this week, when he didn’t play for the national team, this can put him in a good way for the last two months.
“He should understand when you play you should have concentration about the game, about your team-mates, the ball, movement – not other things. He needs to improve this.”
However, Italy struggled without SuperMario and failed to score in their 1-0 friendly defeat to the USA, strengthening his bid for a starting spot at Euro 2012.
“Mario is the best Italian striker, for sure – 100 per cent.”
There was further controversy in The Sun today, as Balotelli and a group of friends were pictured outside a strip club in Liverpool at 2.45am yesterday morning.