AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli had to endure reported racial taunts yet again, this time coming from the Inter Milan fans that supported him for four seasons, as a tetchy Milan Derby ended 1-1, and more pertinently with the former Manchester City striker keeping his cool.
Balotelli, who was with Inter from 2006-10, made his move from the English Premier League champions to the club he supported as a boy on transfer deadline day in January, and has made a great start to life as a Milan player.
However, things soured considerably as Inter fans were reported to have waved inflated bananas and whistled at their former player, with Balotelli putting a finger to his mouth in the second half to try and quieten the unruly supporters.
"Balotelli did very well not to react to the provocations, I'm just sorry he wasn't able to score," said Milan manager Massimiiano Allegri, who masterminded the Champions League win over Barcelona in midweek. "He had a great first half.
"Let's not forget that he's 22 years old and he was playing against his former team. It's to be expected that he felt pressure for this match."
In the Serie A game which should have been just about the players on the field but unfortunately wasn't, Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring for the designated away side in the 21st minute, after Balotelli had missed a couple of fairly easy chances.
Inter was non-existent in the first half as Milan completely dominated at the San Siro, the home ground of both teams, and should have really gone into the break a few goals up.
Inter fought back in the second period, and finally got their equalizer through substitute Ezequiel Schelotto with 20 minutes remaining.
The draw leaves Milan in third on 45 points, one point and one place ahead of Inter. Juventus lead the table with 58 points, seven clear of second-placed Napoli, who have a game in hand.
