• Fans shout ‘black piece of shit’ at Milan forward • Italy face England, Costa Rica and Uruguay at World Cup

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Mario Balotelli was racially abused at the Italy training centre Coverciano on Wednesday as the national team continued their preparations for the World Cup.

The Milan forward, who has been targeted by fans throughout his career, was training with the rest of the squad as some fans shouted “black piece of shit” towards him.

The 23-year-old, who played for Manchester City between 2010 and 2013, did not react to the insults initially but reportedly told his team-mates later: “This only happens in Rome and Florence.”

The Italy players met up this week to start their preparations for this summer’s tournament and face Republic of Ireland in a friendly at Craven Cottage on Saturday 31 May.

At the World Cup Cesare Prandelli’s team face England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.