Casualties on both sides in friendly fire

WHEN people said that, sooner or later, Roberto Mancini would have to get to grips with Mario Balotelli, I’m sure this isn’t quite what they had in mind.

Not the least amazing aspect of these astonishing images out of Carrington is that, on the face of it, it appears to be the manager not the player who has completely lost the plot.

Even at his most animated on the touchline, Mancini invariably retains a studied Italian cool, hair immaculately swept back, supporters’ scarf knotted just so.