Cesare Prandelli to ban Italian squad's Twitter usage

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that he will not allow his players to use the social networking site Twitter during next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Prandelli has taken the decision just a few days after AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli used the site to distance himself from a claim by La Gazzetta dello Sport that he should see himself as a role model in the battle against the Mafia.

"New rules will come into force, and they will be more stringent," he told RAI Sport.

"We are looking at banning the use of social networks for players. The restriction will definitely be in force for the World Cup training camp."

Italy face Armenia this evening with the knowledge that they have already qualified for the tournament.