Mario Balotelli appeared to lash out at a television crew upon arriving in Naples for Italy's final World Cup qualifying fixture against Armenia on Tuesday.
The AC Milan striker will miss the game with illness but has decided to remain with the Azzurri squad, who have already confirmed their place in the finals in Brazil.
A headline in this morning's La Gazzetta dello Sport seemed to anger the 23-year-old, who has in the past been accused of having ties with the 'Camorra' - the Neapolitan Mafia.
The headline read: 'Balotelli is ill, but will be there in Naples as a symbol against the Camorra'.
Balotelli later posted on Twitter: "This is what you say! I am coming because football is wonderful and everyone should play it where they want, plus there's a game!!!!"
The former Manchester City forward still appeared ruffled when the team arrived at the Naples train station, and struck out at a cameraman from Sport Mediaset in front of hundreds of fans there to greet them.
Michael Penkman
