Italy coach Lippi offers support to Inter Milan exile Balotelli

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has offered public support to Mario Balotelli after the Inter Milan striker's omission for last night's Champions League success at Chelsea.

The 19-year-old striker reportedly clashed with Jose Mourinho at training on Monday, which proved the straw that broke the camel's back.

Lippi said: “Balotelli is a lad who has great gifts. I am sure, certain even, that when he matures, he could carry the good he is doing for Inter into the Italy squad.”

Asked if Balotelli's progress in Italy is hindered by the racist abuse he sometimes receives from the stands, Lippi said: “Every one knows that I am against any kind of racism. Only one race exists and that's the human race.

“But a Coach can't call players up for this reason. Balotelli is playing calmly for the Under-21s together with Okaka and Ogbonna.

“I will call them up when I feel the time is right. I will make decisions only and exclusively on account of technical questions, not racial ones.”