Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has taken aim at Nice striker Mario Balotelli.

Prandelli spoke to SFR Sport about the former AC Milan forward.

He said, "I have affection for Balotelli, always, because he's an extraordinary lad. I always read that the day he decides to prove to the world he's a top class player, he'll do it. Maybe that is not the first priority in his life, to be the best in the world.

“For example, I had Adriano at Parma, who was world class, but becoming the best in the world was not his ambition. He wanted to have a decent career, make some money to help his family and friends in the Favelas. In human terms, he feels proud of what he did and he should be.

“I can say that racist abuse hurts Balotelli deeply. At first he might seem exuberant, but under it all he is more sensitive than most people."