"There were problems yesterday, but he was at training today," said Mancini last night. "I think that the most important thing is for Adriano to live a normal life so that he can train to the best of his ability.

"He needs to always do that, not just for two weeks. Only then will all the problems sort themselves out.

"I can only hope that he can sort his personal life out and embrace the lifestyle of a professional athlete."

Adriano's mother flew over from Rio de Janeiro to live with Adriano in Milan and the forward assured he was setting himself straight, but Mancini does not seem to agree.

"He had some setbacks yesterday and was here today, but a professional needs to live a healthy lifestyle and above all train well. All the time.

"I don't think Adriano is living in hardship, reading the interviews he has given. I repeat, he just needs to live the life of an athlete."

The Coach also explained why he has often left him in the stands or even out of the squad completely for Sunday's big match with Juventus.

"If I do not consider him to be in good shape to play, then I do not leave him out because of spite. I don't see him doing well at the moment, otherwise he would play. I hope now he understands and can do something different."