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Mario Balotelli’s World Cup summer has got off to a deplorable start, after the AC Milan striker was racially abused by Italy fans at training on Tuesday.

Gazetta Dello Sport have reported that a small group of men, between 4 and 5 people, called Mario Balotelli a “black piece of shit”.

Balotelli did not react at the time, but he is reported to have told his teammates later: “this only happens in Rome and Florence”.

The Azzurri are currently staying at the Italian Football Federation’s headquarters in Coverciano for a first week of preparations ahead of this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

Italy’s first match at the World Cup is against England.

Atalanta dealt AC Milan's European hopes a lethal blow with a late winner. However, the game won't be remembered for the 2-1 victory.

Minutes after giving away a second half penalty, Milan's Kevin Constant was the target of a banana being thrown onto the pitch by a group of Atalanta fans. The scene was not dissimilar to what happened in the match between Villarreal and Barcelona two weeks ago.

Atalanta had a defensive crisis, with Mario Yepes, Guglielmo Stendardo and Stefano Lucchini all injured. Luca Cigarini returned to the midfield, but Marcelo Estigarribia was suspended. Hotheaded forward Marko Livaja has been frozen out after insulting fans online.

Marco Amelia replaced the suspended Christian Abbiati in the Milan goal. Sulley Muntari and Keisuke Honda were preferred to Andrea Poli and Adel Taarabt, as Clarence Seedorf kept faith with the 4-3-1-2 formation which brought victory in last weekend's Milan derby.

Milan were second best for much of the first half. Denis was the home side's main threat. The frontman laid off for Carlos Carmona to fire a weak shot straight into Amelia's gloves. Denis flicked on a corner and Giacomo Bonaventura just missed stealing in at the far post.

Nigel De Jong's ambitious bicycle kick just missed the head of Philippe Mexes, while Cigarini floated in a free kick for an unmarked Maxi Moralez to head wide.

Milan woke from their slumber four minutes before the break. Mario Balotelli thumped the top of the crossbar with a free kick which flew through Andrea Consigli's gloves, before Riccardo Montolivo sent a shot into the side netting. Balotelli stung Consigli's palms with another set piece a minute before half time, and Honda nodded the rebound wide.

Stephan El Shaarawy made his first appearance of 2014 when he came on at the start of the second half.

Milan wasted the game's best chance four minutes after the break. Kaka headed wide from six yards after meeting Mattia De Sciglio's pinpoint cross from the byline. The miss didn't prove crucial, as a helping hand gifted Milan the lead two minutes later. El Shaarawy released Muntari, and the Ghanaian's slide-rule pass was turned into his own net by Bellini. The defender stuck out a leg to stop Balotelli from tapping in, but Balotelli was stood in an offside position, so the blow was even crueller for the Orobici.

Atalanta were handed a reprieve when they were awarded a penalty midway through the second half. Carmona went down under Constant and the referee initially waved play on, before a re-think saw him award the spot kick. Denis stepped up and coolly sent Amelia the wrong way.

Tensions threatened to boil over when Mexes and Cristian Raimondi went head-to-head. Both were cautioned and urged to cool their jets. Atalanta fans threw a banana onto the pitch towards Constant, which was met by sarcastic applause from Mexes and De Jong.

Atalanta had a chance to win it in the final ten minutes. Giuseppe De Luca found space between two markers and laid off for Moralez to lift his shot over the bar.

Late on, the Atlalanta wall did its job to repel a Balotelli free kick. Super Mario struck the far post in stoppage time. Consigli was rooted to the spot, as Balotelli let rip from the edge of the box.

Deep into stoppages, Atalanta stung Milan by finding a winner. Two substitutes combined, as Giulio Migliaccio teed up for Brienza to curl a beautiful shot into the top corner. The Atalanta bench emptied onto the pitch, while Milan came to terms with what just happened. Their European hopes now rest in the hands of others.

Atalanta: Consigli; Raimondi, Benalouane, Bellini, Brivio; Baselli, (Migliaccio 74) Cigarini, Carmona; Moralez, (Brienza 88) Bonaventura; (De Luca 68) Denis

Goals: Denis pen 68, Brienza 90 +6

Fiorentina need a win here, facing an uphill battle to get that third Champions League spot Fiorentina must simply win all their games and hope that Napoli slip up. A huge win for Fiorentina last weekend when they went to Napoli and won, a win here tonight against AcMilan would be a nice momentum builder. Joaquain got the winner at the weekend and with Gomes and Matri also chipping in important goals recently it would appear that Fiorentina are finally getting some value from their transfer market dealings this year. Still very important for Fiorentina will be the performance of Aqualani in midfield the Italian playmaker is the key to making everything tick for Fiorentina and I think he may take advantage of a somewhat ordinary Ac Milan midfield tomorrow.

Ac Milan are really struggling at the moment, there is no doubt that Milan are going to finish out of the European places this year sitting in twelfth and really not playing well. Clarence Seedorf took over midseason but I think the season was already lost by the time Seedorfstepped into the dressign room. Kaka, Balotelli, Robinho will be the key to Milan's attack , will they be able to put together a performance in Fiorentina? I wouldnt want to be betting on it.

I like Fiorentina here, while Fiorentina have not been great at home recently (losing three of the last five). I think this is more of a blip that the norm, as Fiorentina had won nine of ten previous to this and this recent form includes playing Juventus three times. I'm taking Fiorentina to keep the race for third alive with a win against an out of sorts Ac Milan.

The 25-year-old has told reminded his side that they are unlikely to win the Champions League this term and just wants to enjoy their run in the competition

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has poured cold water on his side's Champions League hopes by warning  there are far stronger teams in the competition.

The Spain international helped Diego Simeone's side into the quarter-finals of the competition with two goals in the 4-1 win over AC Milan to add to his solitary strike in the 1-0 win in the first leg.

However, he believes they will find it tough to win Europe's top tournament and is merely focusing on enjoying his side's run.

"We hope to reach the final, but we know that's extremely difficult as there are stronger sides out there than us," he told reporters.

"We'll take it one game at a time and hope for the best. We need to enjoy this and not worry about who we get in the next round.

"It wasn't easy [against Milan] but we had a good match. We did ourselves proud."

Born in Brazil, Costa made his debut for his adopted nation of Spain last week and is hoping a strong end to the season for club level could seal him a World Cup place.

"In order to go to the World Cup I must play well with my team, train hard and get results. If I continue like this, then I think I have a good chance of getting there," he added.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has blasted Championship rivals Charlton Athletic's sacking of Chris Powell and appointment of Jose Riga.

Powell was sacked by the Championship club on Tuesday morning, despite owner Roland Duchatelet having assured the former defender of his position at the club.

Duchatelet, who also owns Belgian side Standard Liege, recently discussed an extension for Powell, however, a disagreement on transfers and philosophy saw the decision to relieve the 44-year-old of his duties and AC Milan youth technical director Riga is set to be appointed as his successor.

Riga arrived at Charlton's training ground this morning and the opinionated Barton waded in on developments through Twitter voicing his discontent at the latest foreign appointment.

He wrote on his account: “AC Milan youth technical director? Do me a ****ing favour. How is this helping OUR game.

“We lose a young British coach who has done a great job at Charlton in Chris Powell. And replace him with some no mark from abroad. Stupidity like this is why we struggle on INT stage.

“Feel sorry for Chris Powell. Loyal player for the club, did a great job getting them up and this is how he is treated. Shambles.

“Wish him every success going forward. It will end in tears for Charlton.”

Barton continued to speculate that he feels that coaches from abroad are not brought in solely on their credentials.

He added: “I'm all for the best coming here to work. But not just any old s***e. At one stage we attracted the best players/coaches. Now it just cheap labour. Its not based on skill. Its based on the fact the lesser foreign coaches will work for less and do as they are told.”

Atletico Madrid will advance to the next stage of the Champions League if they win the battle in midfield against AC Milan in the Spanish capital, according to coach Diego Simeone.

The hosts carry a 1-0 lead into Tuesday's last 16 second leg following Diego Costa's late header at the San Siro three weeks ago.

"They need to score, and, naturally, they will be playing attacking football," Simeone said of AC Milan. "Accordingly, our game will be different.

"We need to try to control the game. I think the key will be in the intensity that we put in midfield.

"If we can be strong then we can play the game we need.

"We need to be focused and careful not to give away many spaces as that would only benefit our rivals."

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Live UEFA Champions League

A Madrid vs AC Milan

March 11, 2014, 7:00pm

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Atletico - who are second in La Liga, just three points adrift of leaders Real Madrid - have not reached the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition since 1997.

Milan, meanwhile, have won the European title seven times and Simeone, a former Inter Milan and Lazio player, knows the Rossoneri can never be underestimated.

"Milan are a strong club," he said. "They are accustomed to playing in this competition.

"I expect the best Milan and I'm sure we face a very hard game against a very difficult rival.

"They have great players."

Simeone sees AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli as the biggest threat to his team.

Balotelli returned to play at the weekend having missed Milan's last two league games with a shoulder injury.

Milan have endured a dismal domestic campaign and travel to the Vicente Calderon stadium on the back of Saturday's 1-0 loss at Udinese.

The outcome dropped the Rossoneri to 10th in the Serie A standings, 37 points behind runaway leaders Juventus.

"We have to think positive and be optimistic," AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf said. "We need to convince ourselves that we can produce a great performance against Atletico.

"I have confidence in my team and I know my players will respond on the pitch."

Atletico defender Diego Godin, midfielder Arda Turan and striker Costa will return to the starting line-up having been rested for Saturday's 2-0 triumph at Celta Vigo.

Costa, who scored at the San Siro in the opening leg to hand his team the edge in the tie, will lead Atletico's attack.

AC Milan midfielders Andrea Poli and Nigel De Jong have made the trip to Spain but are doubtful for the encounter with minor injuries.

Despite saying the duo had their "ups and downs," Mourinho aided the development of the young forward, helping him on his way to a mega-money transfer to Manchester City. Balotelli's career is yet to yield a more successful stint than his two seasons with Mourinho, analysis underlined by the Rossoneri's 11th place standing in the Italian top flight.

Balotelli has posted largely positive numbers throughout the campaign, scoring 12 goals across 25 appearances in Serie A and the Champions League, per WhoScored.com. His explosive temper has also produced 10 yellow cards, including a red in the December loss to Napoli, suggesting the bad-boy image of old still festers.

Famous for setting off fireworks in his own bathroom while at City, Balotelli represents both a match-winner and liability for whoever he represents. His off-the-field behaviour continued to drum up headlines while at the Etihad—including a moment which saw him throw darts at a youth-team player—but there's no denying the striker's talent, which appears to extend its way to table tennis:

Last time I wrote about Erik Lamela, Spurs fans didn’t take to it particularly well. The general consensus is that we need to wait until he’s had more game time before passing judgement.

It’s worth noting that he’s made 17 appearances and during that time, has shown very little promise. I appreciate that players need time to adjust at a new club, but I think it’s fair to say that Lamela’s slow start grants cause for worry.

He was drafted in to help lessen the blow of losing Gareth Bale, but hasn’t really been involved in that process. His injury hasn’t helped, but his performances prior to that didn’t exactly have fans salivating at the mouth, did they? It’s only natural to show signs of concern. This is a young lad with a £30m price-tag.

Of course, I have my finger’s crossed that he’ll ‘come good’. He’s only 21-years-old and has many more years left to prove himself at the top level. But I’m also pragmatic enough to appreciate that if he’s not a good fit for the club, there’s no point having him hang around like a bad smell.

As such, I was interested to see The Mirror report that Erik Lamela could be used as part of a swap deal with AC Milan’s Mario Balotelli. Yes, you heard me right, the same Balotelli that kicked up a storm at the Etihad some years back before fleeing to Serie A.

On the face of things, this is a bizarre rumour. Can you really picture Balotelli in a Spurs shirt? Still, if Spurs want to progress as a club, they will need to find some way of attracting genuinely world class talent like this, rather than promising young kids who may, or may not make it.

Besides, Milan currently lie in 9th place in the Serie A table. This makes me wonder: could he be ready to jump ship?

He’s still proven to be effective, even as Milan have struggled. Since moving to the club last year, Balotelli has scored 26 goals in 41 games – a fine return.

There’s another concern of course: will Tim Sherwood be able to handle a character like Balotelli? The Italian can be difficult to deal with at the best of times and playing for a side with limited title-winning chances may bring out the worst in him.

Here it’s worth remembering what a good job Sherwood has done with Emmanuel Adebayor. Perhaps he can do the same with this hotshot Italian.

I’d certainly love to see him try. If it means losing Lamela, then so be it.

Torino would love to put a dent in cross-town rivals Juventus' title hopes, in the most exciting fixture of Serie A's round 25.

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It would take a collapse of mammoth proportions for Juventus to throw away their nine-point lead at the top of Serie A now, though the bianconeri may well start getting a little hot under the collar if they cede ground to Roma this weekend. That's partly because Antonio Conte's side are hosting city rivals Torino at the Juventus Stadium, in the latest edition of the Derby della Mole. They haven't lost to Toro in almost 20 years, and certainly don't want to start now.

The weekend's action starts in Bologna, as the relegation strugglers look to dent Roma's title hopes at the Renato Dall'Ara. That's unusually Serie A's only Saturday game, with both Milan sides in action on Sunday, before Champions League hopefuls Fiorentina and Napoli play their respective games on Monday.

Saturday

Bologna vs. Roma

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara; 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Roma should start the round with a routine three points away at the Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna. *Should*. It's certainly not a foregone conclusion, as the relegation-struggling hosts have made life difficult for some of Serie A's bigger sides this season, only narrowly going down to AC Milan last weekend on the back of a massive victory against Torino. A couple of points clear of the relegation trouble heading into the round, this one has upset potential.

Sunday

Livorno vs. Hellas Verona

Stadio Armando Picchi; 12:30 p.m. local, 6:30 a.m. ET

These two sides couldn't be further from each other on the political spectrum, and are almost as far apart on the league table. The communists Livorno are only a point clear of the relegation zone heading into the round, while their right-wing counterpart Hellas are still in the running for a Europa League spot, only a season after winning promotion to Serie A. However, the amaranto have been in pretty good form of late, seeing off Cagliari 2-1 last weekend, while Hellas capitulated at home to Torino. Again, this one could throw up a surprise.

Udinese vs. Atalanta

Stadio Friuli; 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET

By their own standards, Udinese have had a pretty terrible campaign. In any ordinary season, the zebrette would be expecting to run away with a win against Atalanta, though at present, they're level on points with them in the table. Francesco Guidolin's side have at least found some form over the last few weeks, picking up seven points from a possible nine. With Atalanta having endured a nightmare 4-0 home defeat to Parma last weekend, Udinese will look to capitalise on low morale.

Inter Milan vs. Cagliari

San Siro; 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET

Inter have ended their terrible run of form with a couple of consecutive victories in Serie A, impressively downing fellow European hopefuls Fiorentina last weekend. They really should pick up a win over struggling Cagliari on Saturday, with the Sardinian outfit alarmingly slipping into a relegation scrap. It might not be long before we see Diego Luis López replaced on the rossoblù bench.

Chievo Verona vs. Catania

Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi; 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET

This one really is a relegation six-pointer. Both Catania and Chievo are tucked just inside the relegation zone heading into the round, with the Veronese hosts a point below their Sicilian visitors. A win for either of these sides could kickstart a run up the table, while a defeat may spell disaster. It's Catania who head in with the edge, with Rolando Maran's side unbeaten in their last four. Chievo, meanwhile, haven't won a game all year.

Sampdoria vs. AC Milan

Stadio Luigi Ferraris; 3 p.m. local, 9 a.m. ET

One of the revelations of the season has been Siniša Mihajlović at Sampdoria, with the Serbian coach having worked wonders since replacing Delio Rossi at the Luigi Ferraris. He's turned Samp from relegation strugglers to a tough mid-table side, more than capable of taking points of Clarence Seedorf's shaky Milan. However, they suffered a narrow defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, and the rossoneri may just be starting to improve under their new Dutch coach.

Juventus vs. Torino

Juventus Stadium; 6:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET

Juventus have looked characteristically invincible for most of the season, though draws to Lazio and Hellas Verona in their last four league games have given Roma a tiny chance of reeling them in. There's no one who'd prefer putting a further dent in their title hopes than their cross-town rivals Torino this weekend, with Giampiero Ventura's high-flying bulls currently enjoying an excellent season. They're right in the running for a Europa League spot, and could well upset the bianconeri.

Lazio vs. Sassuolo

Stadio Olimpico; 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Despite some impressive January signings, poor Sassuolo are currently enduring a horrible run of form. Coach Alberto Malesani has, as per usual, done nothing to improve his side's fortunes, and a sixth consecutive defeat away at the frustratingly-inconsistent Lazio would likely see him replaced by his predecessor Eusebio Di Francesco. The neroverdi are only three points adrift of safety, though are losing touch quickly.

Monday

Parma vs. Fiorentina

Stadio Ennio Tardini; 7 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET

Parma are continuing to soar under Roberto Donadoni, with the crociati's emphatic victory over Atalanta last weekend extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches. The Emilians are within touching distance of a return to European competition for the first time in over a decade, though Champions League hopefuls Fiorentina will look to throw a spanner in the works by bouncing back from defeat to Inter with a win.

Napoli vs. Genoa

Stadio San Paolo; 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET

Napoli have opened up a six-point buffer over Fiorentina in the third and final Serie A Champions League spot, and should maintain said gap with a victory at home to Genoa on Monday. Having said that, Gian Piero Gasperini's grifone have been an unpredictable lot so far this season, and head in on the back of an exciting 3-3 draw against Udinese. You never quite know which Genoa is going to turn up, but if it's a good one, Rafael Benítez's side could find themselves dropping points.

AC Milan head coach Clarence Seedorf is confident he now knows enough about Atletico Madrid's game to overturn their slender first-leg advantage in the Spanish capital.

The first ever competitive meeting between Milan and Atletico saw Diego Simeone's men clinch a 1-0 victory at the San Siro thanks to Diego Costa's last-gasp goal.

The Rossoneri had dominated the game, with Kaka and Andrea Poli both going close to scoring while on-loan QPR forward Adel Taarabt impressed on his Champions League debut.

Seedorf has already travelled to the Vicente Calderon to assess his club's last-16 opponents from the stands and, having now seen them in action close up, he reckons they can be beaten.

The Dutchman told acmilan.com: "I went to Madrid to see Atletico play and I have information on all the players.

"Atletico are a team that have the ability to play when in control of the game but containment is a strategy that their coach uses and I expected them to play as they did.

"We know that the match in Madrid will be an important one but we have time to prepare."

Brazilian playmaker Kaka was easily Milan's most dangerous player, the former Real Madrid man rattling the crossbar and heading against Thibaut Courtois from close range.

Despite the fact his evening ended in frustration, he shared his coach's sense of optimism.

"We had chances to score and I don't like to talk about being unlucky, we need to be more precise," he said.

"The only thing we were missing was the goal, we played well and we prepared well, but it was Atletico who scored in the final minutes.

"I'm optimistic after what I saw.

"We'll try and play our game in Madrid. It's not the result that we were after but we have time to improve and to learn from this match."

Mario Balotelli burst into tears on the AC Milan bench as he witnessed the Rossoneri fall to a 3-1 defeat at Napoli, which Cesare Prandelli was happy to see.

Balotelli was substituted with Milan 2-1 down at the San Paolo before Gonzalo Higuain claimed his second of the game, sealing a 3-1 win for Rafael Benitez's side.

The defeat leaves Milan, who are now under the stewardship of former midfielder Clarence Seedorf, in 11th and 18 points adrift of the Champions League places.

Balotelli, who received the news that he is the biological father of his ex-girlfriend's daughter during the week, showed his emotions as he burst into tears on the bench.

Contrary to reports on social media, the 23-year-old's reaction was not as a result of racial abuse around the ground and the Italy boss believes that the forward's reaction is simply a sign that he is human.

 "He has recently acknowledged his daughter,” Prandelli told Tuttosport. “But I'm not going to get into his personal life as a matter of respect.

"But thank goodness that he burst into tears the other night on the bench.

"I think he was overwhelmed by strong emotions at Napoli. He's young and cannot always handle extraordinary pressure.

"His tears were not a sign of weakness, they showed he is human. They represent a good message - superheroes do not exist. He showed he understands the fragility of being a human like everyone else.

"We should never be ashamed of our feelings."

AC Milan forward Robinho is set to miss the Italian club's crucial Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie with Atletico Madrid after succumbing to a thigh injury. 

A club statement confirmed the news, as reported by Sky Sports:

"Robinho has sustained a muscular injury in his left thigh. The Brazilian striker will undergo further tests next week," read the announcement.

Arsenal’s need for a new striker is well known. Arsene Wenger couldn’t find the frontman he craves in January but is expected to resume his search this summer. According to reports on the Continent, the man to increase Arsenal’s firepower could be the fiery Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

The story gathered momentum with a report in Italian daily Tuttosport. Subsequently, The Metro newspaper fleshed out the initial claims. They suggested that the club’s kit manufacturer, Puma, will have a role in any deal:

Arsenal’s brand new kit sponsors will reportedly help the club fund a big money deal to sign Mario Balotelli at the end of the season.

The Gunners, who announced a partnership with sportswear giants Puma last month, are said to be keen on signing AC Milan striker Balotelli in the summer.

According to reports in Italy, the company wants to help Arsenal finance a deal to bring the former Manchester City striker to the Emirates Stadium.

Balotelli is also represented by Puma, and the theory goes that it would be beneficial for the sportswear brand to unite two major assets in such a way.

That may be so. However, Arsene Wenger is unlikely to allow such commercial interests to dictate his transfer policy.

Wenger is hugely protective of his autonomy over football matters at Arsenal. Puma’s interests will mean next to nothing to him. The whole purpose of the new kit deal is to help grant him the independence he craves. He won’t be dictated to by a sponsor.

Nevertheless, Balotelli does undoubtedly have some attractive attributes. Arsenal need someone who is capable of alternating with Olivier Giroud in the lone-striker role. That’s a position Balotelli has filled convincingly for both AC Milan and the Italian national team.

He’s certainly enormously gifted. Anyone who has seen Balotelli in action is instantly struck by his awesome combination of strength and skill. Few strikers offer such an enthralling combination of physical power and technical excellence.

Wenger has a superb track record of converting raw talent into prolific goalscorers. The likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have all flourished under Wenger’s tutelage.

However, despite Balotelli’s obvious allure, Wenger is bound to have reservations: Balotelli is as renowned for his explosive character as his devastating finishing.

Wenger is well known for undertaking rigorous background checks on potential signings. In Balotelli’s case, that depth of research won’t be necessary: His various misdemeanors have been hugely publicised. Managers fall for his talent but ultimately lose patience with his personality.

Balotelli has already been bombed out of two major clubs. Despite his talent, both Inter Milan and Manchester City were relatively happy to see him go. There is a pervading sense that he is dangerous not only in the penalty area but also the dressing room.

Arsene’s success this season has been based upon his building a superb team spirit. Each goal is greeted with huddled celebrations and a genuine sense of camaraderie. Wenger must surely fear that Balotelli’s volatile character would threaten that togetherness.

Unless Balotelli is prepared to reform and grow up, a move to Arsenal looks all but impossible.

The former Manchester City striker had a stormy relationship with the Portuguese manager when they worked together at Inter Milan.

And after leaving the Etihad in a £20million deal a year ago to join the Serie A club, the 23-year-old has now admitted that if were to make a dramatic return to the Premier League, his choice of destination would be City.

"I said when I left Manchester that the fans were so good to me that I couldn't see myself playing for another team in England."

Mario Balotelli

"Of course I would like to play under Jose again. In my first days at Inter we had some problems, but then it turned into a mutual respect, and now we have a real friendship," Balotelli said.

"It is never boring playing under Jose. When you are in Mourinho's team it is a family and he coaches on the principal that if all is well with the family it doesn't matter what is going on outside the team.

"I said when I left Manchester that the fans were so good to me that I couldn't see myself playing for another team in England.

"I got great support from the Manchester City fans during my time there and I will always respect them."