Italy’s Bonucci coy over Balotelli mentor role

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci was coy last night about being nominated as a mentor to Mario Balotelli in the build-up to Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against England.

Bonucci has found himself cast as Balotelli’s minder since putting his hand over the striker’s mouth during the Azzurri’s decisive Group C win over Republic of Ireland.

Balotelli looked to be shouting something at the Italy bench after responding to being dropped by scoring as a substitute in Monday’s 2-0 win.