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Roberto Mancini has warned Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli that he’s in serious danger of “wasting” his career.

The controversial frontman has scored just twice in 18 appearances for the Reds since his £16m move from AC Milan last summer and his future is once again the subject of speculation.

Inter Milan boss Mancini knows Balotelli well having managed him both at Inter and then again an Manchester City.

And he fears that unless his attitude improves then the 24-year-old’s fortunes could continue to plummet like Brazilian striker Adriano, who is now playing for French second division side Le Havre.

“I have not heard from Mario since we worked together at Manchester City,” he told Corriere della Sera.

“He was still a kid when we were together at Inter. He would do anything I asked him and he also behaved well at City.

“It has all gone downward a bit since he left City. I thought he would do well at Milan, but it didn’t happen.

“Mario is at risk of following the same path as Adriano. I hope that he wakes up one morning and realises that he is wasting everything.”