Marco Materazzi has urged Inter Milan teammate Mario Balotelli to accept his axing. Balotelli was left behind by Inter coach Jose Mourinho for tonight's Champions League clash at Chelsea.

Materazzi said: "First Mario was not even in Catania because he hurt his knee, today he's not there for a technical choice.

"I do often offer my advice to him to his face, even hard-nosed advice, because he deserves it. However, I have three children and I would offer the same advice to them."