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Report: Lateness For Training Behind Mario Balotelli’s Exclusion From Inter-Fiorentina

Jose Mourinho has reportedly punished ‘Super Mario’ after the striker showed up late for Friday’s training session...

Nov 30, 2009 8:44:04 AM

Mourinho & Balotelli - Inter (Getty Images)

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Mourinho & Balotelli - Inter (Getty Images)

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Inter striker Mario Balotelli has apparently fallen back into old habits and all indications suggest the 19-year-old could now also miss out on next Saturday’s big Serie A clash with Juventus in Turin.

Balotelli was conspicuously sent to the stands by Nerazzurri boss Jose Mourinho for yesterday’s home match with Fiorentina and the Portuguese labeled the decision as a ‘technical choice’ after the encounter.

But according to the Corriere dello Sport, the Italy Under-21 star paid the price for turning up late for Friday’s tactical training session at Appiano Gentile after allegedly having a wild night on the town.

“I had two world champions such as [Marco] Materazzi and [Patrick] Vieira on the bench,” Mourinho insisted on Rai TV.

“Why should Balotelli sitting in the stands be a problem? When will you see him again? You just have to come to Appiano...

“I don’t know when you will see him again on the pitch. Seeing as the strikers have played so well against Fiorentina, I don’t think it will happen very soon…”

And rumour has it that Balotelli will be forced to train with the Primavera side today.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

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