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Italy chief Riva defends Man City striker Balotelli over iPad row

Italy team manager Gigi Riva insists there's no problem with Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli was said to be unimpressed by the striker's touchline warm-up and the Manchester City player's decision to take his i-Pad with him on the bench.

Riva, however, has today tried to play down the events ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia.

"This Balotelli incident is part of a lot of little things that happen in any side," Riva said. "There is nothing to worry about.

"He played for five minutes on Friday so he couldn't really do a lot on the field of play," continued the Cagliari legend.

"Mario always gives his all in training, indeed it is often the Coach who has to urge him to stop.

"Prandelli didn't even see the player's warm up because he was watching the game. Let's not create a problem when there isn't one there."

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