Mario Balotelli told to grow up

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been warned he must "mature" if he wants to play for Italy again.

The stern words were delivered by Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete after Balotelli was left out of the Azzurri's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Friday for breaching the team's code of conduct while competing for his club.

Abete said: "Balotelli still has some problems and lacks continuity.

"He needs to mature and that has to be a personal choice.

"We hope he grows and that the focus is placed on his technical ability. He is a great champion of Italian football and will return to be a part of the national team."

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