Football: Balotelli receives Prandelli’s backing

ROME: Mario Balotelli will be an integral part of Italy’s European Championship squad in Poland and Ukraine in June 2012, according to national team coach Cesare Prandelli. The temperamental Manchester City forward’s participation had been called into question following his latest indiscretion, when he received a three-match ban for being sent off against Arsenal. Prandelli originally said he would look into the incident, sparking rumours he would leave Balotelli out due to his disciplinary problems. But then the Italy coach insisted he cannot do without the enigmatic star. “I liked the fact he took responsibility and what he said after the recent event with City,” Prandelli told an Italian news channel. “I like people who face up to things. I never thought of leaving him out, he’s a fixed part of the national team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2012.