Mario Balotelli receives three-match ban

Serie A officials have handed AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli a three-match suspension.

The former Manchester City frontman has received the punishment for swearing at a match official during the weekend's 2-2 draw with Fiorentina.

He had already picked up a one-game ban for reaching his yellow card limit, but it has now been decided that he should miss a further two encounters.

As a result, Milan will be without the 22-year-old for games against Napoli, Juventus and Catania, although the Rossoneri have appealed the verdict.