Ex Italian footballer says 'selfish' Balotelli deserves lot of good 'slaps rather than pats

Former Italian footballer Paul Di Canio has launched a scathing attack on striker Mario Balotelli, accusing him of being selfish, and added the Manchester City striker deserves a lot of slaps.

The forward scored three goals for Italy at Euro 2012 including two against Germany in the semis, but was hammered 4-0 by Spain in the final of the Euro Cup, and the Swindon Town boss was far from being impressed.

"Balotelli is just selfish. He deserves a lot of slaps. Against Germany he did two good things but in the end I saw a player who was just waiting to celebrate," The Sun quoted Di Canio, as saying.

"Balotelli does not play for the team, only for himself. He is an egotist, who thinks the world revolves around him. Guys like Balotelli deserve lots of slaps rather than pats on the shoulder. Antonio Cassano led the team to the final," he added.