Media has suggested a solution for Italy's long-standing racial problem and it involves making Mario Balotelli as the captain. Balotelli was again the subject of racist abuse from both sets of supporters during Italy’s 1-1 draw with Romania in Austria last week. A group of Italian fans displayed banners reading, “no to a multi-ethnic Italy team” and “there are no black Italians”.

After the match the 20-year-old striker, who earlier this year became the first black player to represent Italy’s senior side, said he is growing tired of the ongoing problem but believes calls for him and his team-mates to abandon future matches are excessive.

Balotelli, born to Ghanaian immigrants in Palermo in 1990, instead called for more help from within Italy to combat racism in the sport.