Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini has backed Roma captain Francesco Totti over his horrendous kick out at Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli this week.

Totti was sent off for his ugly challenge in Roma's Coppa Italia final defeat.

But Pazzini said: "I understand that you can have a blackout moment. Now they are talking about morals, but these things can happen.

"I have never had any kind of problem with Balotelli, but I know that he is not loved by many people.

"In my opinion he has brought a little of this on himself.

"Anyway he is very young and has recognised his mistakes. Every now and again his attitude is a little mistaken."