Italy coach Roberto Mancini insists the door isn't shut on Brescia striker Mario Balotelli.

FIGC have stated selecting Balotelli would send out “an extraordinary message" after he was racially abused by Verona fans a fortnight ago.

But the 29-year-old has scored just two goals for Brescia, who have yet to win with him in their starting XI, and was taken off during a 4-0 defeat to Torino at the weekend.

Mancini said, “Football needs to unite, not destroy the good things because of a few people who have done wrong. Balotelli is a player I wish well, and he's at an age where he still can do a lot.

“I would like to pick him, but only when he might be important for us.

“He still needs to work. I would like to pick him when he deserves it tactically."