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Roberto Mancini insists that Mario Balotelli's omission from City's Champions League squad to face Real Madrid was tactical, and not due to a row with the striker.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has categorically denied speculation claiming that he has fallen out with Mario Balotelli.

The Italian forward was left out of the City squad for their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in midweek.

However, Mancini has insisted that Balotelli's omission was a tactical decision, rather than a disciplinary matter.

"Mario went in the stand only because we started to play with Carlos Tevez in attack and we couldn't have three strikers on the bench," said Mancini.

"This story is totally false. There has been no argument, and no row. Absolutely not."

Balotelli had reportedly been partying until the early hours of Sunday morning prior to the match against Los Blancos.

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