Prandelli urges Balotelli to stay focused

Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has urged Mario Balotelli to overcome his detractors and focus on giving his best on the pitch.

Balotelli's career has been blighted by controversy on an off the pitch after a turbulent spell at Manchester City.

Despite being the target of racist chants, Balotelli has scored 11 goals in 12 games since joining AC Milan in January and Prandelli hopes that the 22-year-old can continue to let his actions on the pitch do the talking.

"I am convinced that the leaders of Milan and [Massimiliano] Allegri have talked to him about this," he told Tuttosport.

"Mario must think only of playing. He should not lose the right attention and concentration, often things happen just to try and get a great player to lose patience.

"Do not worry [about El Shaarawy]. El Shaarawy has given so much, his season is extraordinary."

Prandelli also condemned the chants from fans aimed at Balotelli on Sunday which caused Milan's game against Roma to be suspended.

"Yesterday [Sunday] a clear signal was given. I think that in the face of upcoming episodes there will be temporary suspension and the interruption of the competition," he added.

"It is not Balotelli's problem, but on the credibility of our football.

"We must not just get angry, but there are suitable ways of going to the stadium. A stadium made in a certain way helps a lot, like that of Juventus. If the fan feels at home, they think twice before doing horrible things.

"We are all responsible. Even the fans should get angry in front of the offensive chants."