Balotelli went into a heavy and poorly-timed challenge on top-scorer Carlos Tevez in training and was confronted by Mancini, who was seen wagging his finger angrily at the 20-year-old as he reprimanded him for his latest loss of control.
Tevez stayed out of the row and City sources suggested that the flashpoint would have been largely ignored had it not involved a clash of the club's most controversial figure and their most important player.?
Hot head: Mario Balotelli receives a lecture from Roberto Mancini
Earlier Mancini faced the media for the first time since finingBalotelli over his senseless sending-off against Dynamo Kiev last monthand defended his ?24million signing, saying the 10-goal striker hadassured him he would behave in future.
'I don't regretbringing him here,' said Mancini. 'Mario is a fantastic player. He isonly 20, sometimes his behaviour is not good enough. But I think hisbehaviour in the future will be good.
'He knows this couldbe a fantastic experience for him here in England. He can be one of thebest players in Europe. Everything Mario does becomes big news. If hegoes into a restaurant and speaks with a woman, it is said that maybefive woman speak with him. It's news.'
Fed up: Mancini has had to defend Balotelli on numerous occasions
City face Sunderland at home tomorrow in a fixture that saw Mark Hughes's last stand as manager last season. Although Mancini's situation is not nearly as critical, he once again faced questions over what would happen if he fails to deliver Champions League football or that long-awaited trophy to the City fans.
'I have a three-year contract,' he said. 'We don't want to finish fourth, we want to finish third if possible.'
But he was dealt another blow last night after it emerged that right back Pablo Zabaleta is unlikely to be back in time from compassionate leave at home in Argentina, where his father has had a serious car accident.
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?Explore more:People: Carlos Tevez, Roberto Mancini, Mark Hughes, Mario Balotelli Places: Argentina, United Kingdom, Europe
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail