Italy coach Antonio Conte has defended his decision to again omit Mario Balotelli from the national team.

WEST HAM’S disappointing start to the season continued as they bowed out of the UEFA Cup at the Renzo Barbera Stadium.

Palermo 3 West Ham 0 (Palermo win 4-0 on aggregate)

WEST HAM manager Alan Pardew is confident his team can finally hit their stride when they take on Palermo in tonight’s UEFA Cup return leg.