Austria - Italy - 17/11/2010

Source : dailymail.co.uk

Italy striker Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse from Italian fans during friendly

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was disgusted at the racist chants hurled at Mario Balotelli in Wednesday's 1-1 friendly against Romania in Austria.
The Manchester City striker, who was born in Italy but is of Ghanian descent, was booed every time he touched the ball, with the taunts coming from a group of about 100 extreme right-wing Italian fans at the match at Klagenfurt's HYPO Group Arena.
'I feel disappointment and anger,' said Prandelli. 'We always hear these chants and something has to be done about it.
'We feel helpless. He has the support of everyone.'
It's not the first time Balotelli has suffered racist abuse. While at Inter Milan, the player was subjected to racist chants by rival fans.
Balotelli, who has been linked with a return to Italy and AC Milan, played for an hour against Romania before being substituted. The 20-year-old was denied on several occasions by Romania goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.
'His performance was optimum,' said Prandelli. 'He has done really well. It's a pity in the first half we didn't have much depth.'