Balotelli abused by racist Italy fans, and has his say on Toure

Former City striker targeted at Italian World Cup training camp in Florence

Mario Balotelli during a training session
(Image credit: 2014 Getty Images)

Mario Balotelli was racially abused by a group of teenagers as he prepared for next month's World Cup at Italy's training camp near Florence. According to reports the AC Milan striker was targeted by the racists as he warmed up at the Coverciano training ground. It's not the first time Balotelli has been abused in such a manner since his return to Italy from Manchester City in January 2013, and his reaction to the latest incident was a weary sigh of "unbelievable". He also allegedly told teammates that "only in Rome and Florence are they that stupid".

Balotelli's Italy team-mate, Ciro Immobile, was more forthcoming in his condemnation of the racist abuse, blasting: "In 2014, we shouldn't have to deal with racism. We have to improve as a nation... I'm not ashamed of being Italian, but I do get upset by this type of behaviour." Immobile then praised Balotelli for being "very calm" in the face of the bigotry, adding: "We will try to make appeals so these episodes do not happen again."

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