Friday 1 January 2016 12:14, UK
Agent Mino Raiola believes Mario Balotelli and other black players continue to be disadvantaged in Italian football.
Raiola says racism remains a big problem in the Italian game and he feels the country is 'light years' behind other countries in the way it deals with questions of tolerance.
Balotelli returned to Serie A this season on loan from Liverpool, but he has not featured since the end of September because of a groin injury and has face criticism for a lack of conditioning.
Raiola said: "People judge (Balotelli) too much and I think that is because he lives in a country that is not ready to have such a strong black player.
"Italy is light years behind other countries in that respect. There is racism in the game: some of it is unconscious but black players have to do twice as much as others to prove themselves."
Balotelli's lack of playing time has not helped his chances of earning a place in Italy's squad for Euro 2016, but Raiola remains hopeful Antonio Conte will find a place for him.
"Conte should call up Mario because he is the best Italian striker," he said.
"Enzo Bearzot called up Paulo 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."
