Mario Balotelli can count himself lucky after the UEFA decided to ban him for just one game following his sending off against Sweden.
The Inter striker will consequently miss tomorrow’s match against Belarus but will be ready for the semi-final, if the Azzurrini manage to reach that stage.
Balotelli lost his cool against Sweden when, after scoring a wonderful opener for Italy, he stepped over an opponent hitting him on the shin pads.
However, Gabriele Gravini, FIGC team manager in Sweden, tried to justify the youngsters actions.
“Mario did something wrong but the Swedish provoked him. We expect only a one match ban.”
Gravini’s theory must have been influential on the court’s decision, considering that the Swedes did nothing to hide their intents.
The day before the match their players claimed they were going to attack SuperMario and try to make him react. Even after the game the Swede who clashed with Balotelli said he wasn’t hurt and that the Italian didn’t really touch him.