FLORENCE, Italy -- Police had to intervene after Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist chants at Italys World Cup training base on Wednesday. Kids outside the Coverciano complex were responsible for the chants, and Balotelli appeared visibly disturbed. The training session was open to media, and Balotelli could be heard saying as he ran by reporters, "Only in Rome and Florence are they that stupid." While most of the fans cheered for Balotelli, police approached the area where the chants came from and they quickly ended. Balotelli was born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and brought up by an Italian foster family. He has faced racist chants throughout his professional career. "Its unbelievable that in 2014 we still have this form of racism," Balotellis fellow forward, Ciro Immobile, said. "Its not great for the nation. We represent Italy." Immobile, from the Naples area, noted how insulting anti-Naples chants have pervaded Serie A stadiums recently. "When I hear that it saddens me, because I have a lot of pride in my city," Immobile said. Balotelli was also the focus of much speculation on racist abuse before the 2012 European Championship, and UEFA placed spotters inside stadiums, resulting in fan behaviour by Spain and Croatia being sanctioned. FIFA claims it will have zero tolerance for racism at the World Cup but has not announced plans yet on how it will control behaviour inside stadiums. Cheap Baseball Jerseys . The 57-year-old Tietjens has coached New Zealand to nine IRB World Sevens titles and to four Commonwealth Games gold medals as its only coach in the professional era. New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the re-signing was made with a focus on 2016 when sevens will be in the Olympics. Wholesale MLB Jerseys . Here at TSN.ca we will take a look back at the season by bringing together a panel of experts to help pick the best 50 players of the season. http://www.cheapauthenticjerseysmlb.com/. -- The Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on a deal. Discount MLB Jerseys . During the furious first few hours of free agency Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with strong safety Donte Whitner, a Cleveland native who cant wait to play in his hometown. China MLB Jerseys . The Italian football federation announced the appointment, three days after new president Carlo Tavecchio was elected. Tavecchio and Conte spoke on the phone early Thursday.Rafa Benitez believes Moussa Sissoko can fulfil his ambitions at Newcastle and insists he can help steer the club to Premier League safety. Sissoko, who has has spoken about his ambition to play in the Champions League, has been criticised for his lack of consistency by fans and pundits in equal measure, but Benitez has not lost faith in the France international.The coach told The Chronicle: He has a lot of things, its just being sure he will put things on to the pitch. You saw in the last game he was running and passing players, he still has to improve things. If he carries on doing this hell be better. He has everything: potential and quality. At Leicester he probably could have had a penalty. He was there but he will need time. He will score goals in the future.Sissoko filled in at left-back in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland because of the defensive injury crisis and is currently away with the France international team. Benitez admits he does not know if he willl be available for the game at Norwich on April 2.dddddddddddd Sissoko hails Benitez Moussa Sissoko revealed the squad were amazed Rafael Benitez joined the club Benitez said: Its too early because hes been with France. Then we have to see if hes available. All we can do is work with the players that are already here.We have midfielders so we will do something specific with the midfield. We have defenders too but we dont have everybody. We did defenders and offensive players and its all specific work. Also See: Ashley: Money is running out Whos away on international duty? Mitrovic issues apology Newcastle fixtures ' ' '