Although Balotelli did manage a couple of smiles as he scored a hat-trick in City's 4-0 win over Aston Villa at Eastlands on Tuesday, an actual goal celebration was not forthcoming.
Balotelli tried to explain afterwards that it was purely down to the fact that he views finding the net as a routine part of his job.
But as someone who did the same job not that long ago, it is a response Mancini simply cannot understand.
"I would like to punch him sometimes," Mancini said. "When you score three goals in the Barclays Premier League you should celebrate.
"After the first goal he did celebrate, for one second I think. At least he smiled."
Source: PA
Source: PA