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Cesare Prandelli to discuss 'gagging' with Mario Balotelli

Prandelli to confront Balotelli
© PA Photos
Cesare Prandelli claims that he has no issues with Mario Balotelli after the Italy striker appeared to direct abuse at the Azzurri boss.

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he will speak to striker Mario Balotelli following the Manchester City player's reaction to his goal against the Republic of Ireland.

The controversial frontman was gagged by Azzurri teammate Leonardo Bonucci after appearing to react angrily after netting the winning goal in Italy's 2-0 win over Ireland last night.

Despite a potential outburst, Prandelli has insisted that he does not have a problem with the 21-year-old.

"This is his behaviour," said Prandelli. "We know him. But basically Balotelli is a golden boy. I honestly don't know if he was angry with me. I'll ask him.

"But I liked how the teammates protected and defended him. Bonucci was good and there was confirmation that we are a good group."

Italy will discover their quarter-final opponents tonight following the outcomes of the matches between England and Ukraine as well as France and Sweden.

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Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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