Prandelli defends Balotelli call up despite ban

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is defending his code of ethics after being criticised for calling up Mario Balotelli following the temperamental striker’s latest outburst.

On Sunday, Balotelli finished serving a three-match ban with AC Milan for insulting and intimidating the referee in Serie A.

Prandelli said “If there was (one more match on the ban) Balotelli would not be here. Period. There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve never called up a player that is banned.”