Balotelli's agent: Black players have to do 'twice as much' to impress in Italy

Due to the racism still evident in Italy, Mario Balotelli's representative Mino Raiola says his client and other black players have to do "twice as much" to impress, and are subject to additional scrutiny.

Balotelli has struggled with injuries and poor form since his return to AC Milan on loan, but Raiola agrees with the forward's belief that he has to deal with additional barriers because of his skin colour.

"People judge Mario too much. He lives in a country that is not ready to have such a strong black player," Raiola told Tuttosport, ESPN FC reports. "Italy is light-years behind other countries in that aspect.

"There is racism in football. Some of it is unconscious, but black players have to do twice as much as others to prove themselves."

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City man endured a miserable spell at Liverpool last season, scoring just one league goal in 16 appearances, but things haven't got much better in 2015-16. Despite this and a troublesome groin issue that has sidelined him since October, Raiola believes that Balotelli should be a mainstay in Antonio Conte's Italy squad.

"Conte should call up Mario because he is the best Italian striker," he claimed.

"Enzo Bearzot called up Paolo Rossi in 1982 despite his inactivity and we went on to win the World Cup. I am convinced that Mario will win over Conte with his performances and his goals at Milan."

Balotelli has just one goal for the Rossoneri this term, but it was a beauty:

Should Balotelli not be tempted by the reported interest of Sampdoria, he could return to action against Bologna on Jan. 6.