Image:Mario Balotelli will have the full support of his Italy manager if he receives racist abuse at Euro 2012
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will stand up for Mario Balotelli should the forward be subjected to racism at Euro 2012.
If Mario is a target, we will all step out on the pitch, vows Italy boss
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will stand up for Mario Balotelli should the forward be subjected to racism at Euro 2012.
The Manchester City forward told France Football this week that he would "straight away leave the pitch and go home" if he experienced racism at this summer's European Championship.
The tournament is held in Poland and Ukraine and there are fears racism could be an issue when the event kicks off on June 8th.
Prandelli is determined that the whole Italy squad will support their 21-year-old striker if he encounters any problems on the field.
"In the case that Balotelli is a target of racial boos, we will all step out on the pitch from the bench," Prandelli told a press conference on Thursday.
"We will do something for Mario should that case arise."
Italy's base for the tournament is in Krakow and they are in Group C alongside defending European and World champions Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
