AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli thanked fans for their support in Italy's victory last night.

The Azzurri beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Turin to secure their passage to the World Cup.

There was some jeering after the series of misses from Balotelli, but the crowd at the Juventus Stadium quickly began chanting his name in support.

"I thank the fans and compliment them, as I wasn't expecting such a nice reaction. I thank them."

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