Prandelli stands by Balotelli

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli will remain patient with Mario Balotelli despite the striker’s impetuous dismissal in last night’s World Cup qualifying meeting with the Czech Republic.

The points were shared in Prague as a lacklustre Italy side rarely threatened Petr Cech in the hosts’ goal, while visiting goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was forced to repel dangerous attempts from Libor Kozak and Petr Jiranek.