Mario Balotelli mingled with fans in Salvador ahead of Italy’s Confederations Cup match against home country Brazil, despite warnings issued to the Azzurri to stay in their hotel.
There have been numerous protests in Brazil since the start of the Confederations Cup, especially in the cities where matches are being held, and Italy coach Cesare Prandelli conceded that his squad were advised to stay in their hotel due to security concerns.
Prandelli also confirmed that Balotelli had been allowed to leave the hotel since he has been working with a charity that supports the Mata Escura favela, an area in Salvador that the player had previously visited as a teenager.
“Salvador!! I look like a person from Bahia!!!” the 22-year-old wrote on his official Twitter, with Bahia being the region of Brazil that Salvador is located in.
All the attention was on the star striker as he walked around the city, with fans surrounding him and journalists trying to get a hold of him.
The AC Milan man made his rounds and signed autographs for the supporters, even having girlfriend Fanny Neguesha with him at times.
It was also reported that Balotelli mocked some members of the press as they apparently struggled to keep up with him.
“It’s all calm, I am not afraid. What am I scared of? Only journalists,” said the Azzurri forward.
Italy lost 4-2 to Brazil at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova stadium on Saturday.
