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Roberto Mancini: Mario Balotelli Needs Form, Won't Get Anti-Racism Italy Call-Up

Italy boss Roberto Mancini said on Monday that if he calls up Mario Balotelli to the national side, it will be because his form warrants it rather than using his selection as an anti-racism message.

Mancini discussed Balotelli, who was racially abused by some Hellas Verona supporters on November 3, after Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina suggested calling him up to send a message to fans.

Per the Associated Press (via ESPN), Manicini said:

"Football and sport should unite, not destroy. We're in 2020 and we're still talking about skin colour.