The former Manchester City boss has told the prolific attacker to address his disciplinary issues and believes Massimiliano Allegri is doing a fine job
Roberto Mancini has urged AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli to keep his cool even in the face of provocation from opponents.
The Italy international was handed a three-match ban following his red card against Napoli at the weekend and Mancini – who managed Balotelli at Inter and Manchester City – has stressed that the attacker must address his disciplinary issues or risk picking up more suspensions.
“Now all the defenders in the world know that it takes just two kicks to make him lose his head, and behave accordingly,” Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Mario must be able to withstand the attacks of rage. He must break the cycle. If word got out that he no longer reacts, after a while he would no longer be provoked.”
Mancini also lent his backing to Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who he feels is dealing well with the volatile forward.
“Is he doing a good job with Balotelli? I would say yes. Mario is not easy to train,” he added.
“When anger overwhelms him, he listens patiently to all your reproaches and promises to restrain himself, but as soon as something happens again, it’s back to the starting point.”