Roberto Mancini: "Impossible" to rely on Mario Balotelli

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that it is "impossible" to rely on Mario Balotelli's off-field behaviour.

The Italian has been involved in a series of well-publicised incidents since arriving at Eastlands in 2010.

He famously set his own bathroom on fire after attempting to light some fireworks and prior to that, threw darts at a City reserve team player.

Asked how he can guarantee that behind-the-scenes antics won't be a problem this season, Mancini told the Daily Mail: "This is impossible. With Mario, it is impossible."

Balotelli scored 18 goals in 32 games in all competitions for City last season.