Football news

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been warned he must “mature” before he can return to the Italy team.

Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete sent the message 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.”

Roma takeover moves closer

American businessman Thomas Di Benedetto is close to finalising his purchase of Roma.

Di Benedetto landed in the Italian capital yesterday to oversee the buyout of the Serie A club.

“Our aim is to make Roma one of the top clubs in the world,” Di Benedetto said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We want a team that the city will always be proud of, but of course this will take time.”

Di Benedetto hopes the takeover will be completed this week after his group’s bid was the most competitive of the five received by Roma.

Scots refute Neymar claims

Scotland fans and the Scottish FA have refuted claims Brazil star Neymar was racially abused by the Tartan Army in Sunday’s friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

A banana was thrown onto the field during Brazil’s 2-0 victory over the Scots, while Neymar accused some spectators of racist behaviour – a claim repeated by team-mate Lucas Leiva.

An SFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport: “There has been no such incident reported to the police or the stadium safety officer.

“The Scotland fans are known the world over for their impeccable behaviour and we have no reason to believe that, after speaking to the relevant authorities, they have been anything other than exemplary.”

England inspired by Barca – Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has revealed England players watched videos of Barcelona in action to help them with their gameplan in Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff.

Fabio Capello stressed the need for England to put into operation the pressing game of the Spanish giants against Gary Speed’s side and it paid handsome dividends as the Three Lions won 2-0.

Teenager Wilshere said: “We watched some videos of Barcelona and the way they pressed.

“We tried to do it like them against Wales. We pressed high and the idea was to get some early goals and we got them. We made it comfortable for ourselves.

“They are the best at it in the world and we have to learn from teams like that.”

Ballack ‘owed’ Germany return

Michael Ballack’s Germany career is not over, according to German Football Association president Theo Zwanziger.

Ballack has not played for the national team for more than 12 months, but he remains their captain and coach Joachim Loew claims he will return as soon as he is fit enough.

“Nobody knows if he will make it – he is coming towards the end of his career,” Zwanziger told SWR television.

“But he is not an old drag. He is still the captain of Germany and, given his performances in the past, we owe him an option of a return.”

Lazio set sights on Ibisevic

Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic is a target for Serie A side Lazio, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

Reports suggest that Hoffenheim are prepared to part with the Bosnia international in an overhaul of the squad following Ralf Rangnick’s departure.

Ibisevic’s ability to play as a second striker has caught the eye of Lazio coach Edy Reja who has sent Igli Tare to take a closer look.

Hoffenheim value Ibisevic, 26, at around €10m, but Lazio believe that an offer between €7m and €8m will tempt the Bundesliga outfit to do business.

Napoli tracking Brazilian duo

Napoli director of sport Riccardo Bigon is keeping a close eye on Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva and his Brazilian counterpart at Shakhtar Fernan-dinho, reports in Italy said.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli reached an agreement with Lucas and Liverpool in January but the deal stalled at the last minute.

Lucas’s contract has another year left to run and though he recently expressed a desire to sign an extension, Liverpool are reportedly ready to consider offers for the Brazilian.

Shakhtar’s Fernandinho is in the same position as Lucas at Shakhtar but the 25-year-old has been out for seven months with a knee injury.

Fernandinho is valued at €4m and has also been linked with Juventus and Fiorentina.