Cesare Prandelli apologises for Mario Balotelli 'skin colour' joke

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has apologised for saying earlier today that Mario Balotelli was the only Azzurri player allowed out of his team hotel because "his colour is a little different than ours".

Balotelli was given permission to break current security protocol in Brazil to take part in charity work, with the striker helping a social project in the slums of Salvador.

Prandelli had initially said that the AC Milan striker was allowed out purely due to his skin colour, with a swift apology soon following as he insisted that the statement was merely a joke.

He told reporters: "Before I said something about the colour of our skin, I'm sorry. It was a joke, of course.

"I am glad we clarified that issue about why he was the only one allowed out. He was surrounded by all these people but he was working with a charity and doing something nice."

Italy will play host nation Brazil tonight in their final Confederations Cup group match, with both sides hoping to avoid a semi-final clash with Spain.