Mario Balotelli has laughed off allegations that he dealt drugs during a visit to the notorious Scampia neighbourhood in Naples three years ago.

A witness in a money laundering trial in Italy has claimed that the 22-year-old, who was shown around the district by people associated with the Mafia, wanted to sell drugs to a customer 'as a joke'.

Armando de Rosa told prosecutors: "We asked the client if he recognised Balotelli, but he didn't have a clue [who he was]."

However, Balotelli, who has stated in the past that he was unaware of the Mafia connections, responded to the claims on Twitter, posting: "Ha, now I sell drugs! Shame, do not use my name for an audience."

The AC Milan striker was questioned by anti-Mafia investigators in September 2011 over his visit to Scampia.

Written by
Michael Penkman