Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli says he can handle racist chants from his own Italy fans.
The Italy striker was booed repeatedly during the 1-1 friendly against Romania and banners were held up that read: 'Italy for the Italians' and 'No to a multi-ethnic Italy.'
"I can't do anything on my own. Everyone has to do something to fight racism," said the Manchester City star on Sky Sport Italia.
"I was very disappointed last night, but I have to confirm that I cannot change these people. Brescia is my city now and I live there happily, but it is also a difficult place to live. When I was a little boy, many other children attacked me for the colour of my skin.
"What we saw yesterday was racism, but also the stupidity of only a few people. I am certain that if I met one of these lads on their own, they'd ask for my autograph.
"This is also why I prefer to stay quiet and not respond, this time. Maybe they just travelled all the way to Austria because they didn't have a television."
When asked if he ought to walk off the field amid racist chants, Balotelli thought it counter-productive.
"It would be really too much for a dozen stupid people. Besides, it was my second game with the Nazionale.
"There is less of this in English stadiums, perhaps because their laws are far stricter."
