Balotelli denies iPad claims

Published Sep. 6, 2011 9:16 a.m. ET

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The striker appeared as a late substitute during last Friday's 1-0 win over the Faroes, but his conduct on the bench prior to being introduced has been criticised. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was reportedly unimpressed by Balotelli's warm-up and there were also suggestions he was using his iPad while sat on the bench. However, the Manchester City forward, who has yet to appear in the Premier League this season, has denied the claims. "My iPad? I wasn't listening to it when I was on the bench. I listened to it before that," said Balotelli in the Gazzetta dello Sport. Balotelli is now waiting to see whether he will be involved in Italy's qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday evening and the 21-year-old has been given a piece of advice by his national coach Prandelli. "The future is up to him," said Prandelli. "From his upbringing to his experiences and how he addresses his problems. "I have patience for him, he is only 21 and it would be a shame to forget his potential." On Monday, Italy's team manager Gigi Riva had played down any suggestions that Balotelli had fallen out with Prandelli regarding his attitude.

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