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Balotelli hit with racist attack at World Cup base

AFP
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Balotelli hit with racist attack at World Cup base
Mario Balotelli has been subjected to racist taunts sporadically during his Serie A career. Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Mario Balotelli has been subjected to racist abuse while training with Italy's national squad in Tuscany, in an incident the striker said usually happens "only in Rome or in Florence".

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Italy coach Cesare Prandelli played down the racist incident aimed at Balotelli at the pre-World Cup training camp but striker Ciro Immobile said players have to help stamp out the scourge.

AC Milan striker Balotelli was believed to be the target of a racist insult from a youth as players were put through their paces during the second day of a ten-day training camp at Coverciano in Florence.

When asked about the incident, Prandelli said: "I didn't hear what was said. All I heard were pleasantries."

Police stationed at the national team centre intervened and although the incident did not appear to faze Balotelli the striker hit out afterwards.

"Only in Rome or in Florence do you here these kinds of things," said Balotelli, who has been subjected to racist taunts sporadically during his Serie A career.

SEE ALSO: 'Italy can reach the World Cup final': Prandelli

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