ITALY COACH CESARE Prandelli says Mario Balotelli’s Euro 2012 place is not under threat despite his sending off against Arsenal yesterday.
Balotelli saw red late in Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium for a foul on Bacary Sagna.
He had escaped a similar punishment earlier following a hard tackle on Alex Song. In February, Prandelli said Balotelli could be left out of his plans for the competition in Poland and Ukraine because of his temperament, but the 54-year-old coach played down the former Inter Milan star’s actions on Sunday.
“I saw his sending off, but this time it was for a foul that was part of the game,” he is quoted by Eurosport as saying. ”I do not think the code of ethics can be applied in this particular situation.
“I will calmly evaluate his position as far as the squad for Euro 2012 is concerned, but I repeat, his dismissal was for a foul that was part of the game.”
After the match, Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini said Balotelli would not play for the club again this season and hinted the 21-year-old could be sold in the off season. Inter technical director Marco Branca said last week the club will consider re-signing Balotelli, who left San Siro for City in 2010.
Italy are in Group C with Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland, Croatia and holders Spain.
