Chiellini: 'Balotelli is a negative person, with no respect for teammates'

Giorgio Chiellini isn't a fan of Mario Balotelli's antics.

The Juventus captain has slammed his occasional international teammate's attitude before the release of his autobiography, which features disparaging passages about Brescia's under-fire striker.

"Balotelli is a negative person, with no respect for teammates," Chiellini said in an interview with La Repubblica, as ESPN translated. "In the 2013 Confederations Cup against Brazil, he didn't give us a hand in anything. He makes you want to slap him."

Italy lost 4-2 against Brazil in the group stage of that event, but earlier wins over Mexico and Japan had already ensured its passage into the competition's semifinals. Spain, the Azzurri's last-four opponent, eliminated Italy on penalties.

A year prior to the 2013 Confederations Cup, Balotelli was tipped to become one of the world's greatest footballers following his influential performances during Italy's run to the Euro 2012 final. However, Chiellini says he never believed Balotelli would justify the hype.

"For someone (supposed to be) among the top five in the world, I never even thought he could be in the top 10 or 20," the 35-year-old said.

Balotelli responded on Instagram, defending his attitude when representing Italy and questioning why Chiellini didn't express his feelings face-to-face.

"If this means being a champion, then I'd rather not be one. And yet, I have never disrespected the Azzurri shirt," Balotelli said.

"At least, I have the sincerity and the courage to say things to the face," he continued. "Since 2013, you have had many opportunities to do so, acting like a real man, but you never did."

Chiellini was also dismissive of his former Juventus colleague Felipe Melo, who lasted two seasons in Turin before being offloaded to Galatasaray on an initial loan deal. Melo, now 36, is on Palmeiras' books in his native Brazil.

"Felipe Melo was even worse. The worst of the worst. I can't stand disrespectful people, those who always want to be the opposite of others. It was always a fight with him," Chiellini said. "I also told the chiefs he was a rotten apple."

Melo responded to Chiellini's comments in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying his ex-teammate was "mad" at him for beating Juventus with Galatasaray, and for his successes with Inter Milan and Brazil.