5. Make it Game Over for Mario
Despite consistent and unfavourable scrutiny of the Italian manager's treatment of Balotelli, Mancini has been extremely tolerant towards the eccentricities and disappointments of "Super Mario." The latest of these came on the crushing derby loss to Manchester United - a game in which Mancini vouched for Balotelli, starting him in place of the more in-form strikers Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez. The Italian started brightly, but retreated into his shell once Manchester City had lost the lead, failing to control the ball properly, link up with teammates and most prevalently, track back and show the necessary endeavour to bring the game into City's grasp. Balotelli is talented - of that there is no question. Once the 2 games in which he flattered to deceive, standing hands on hips, disinterested, disheartened, were almost worth the one game he rose above whatever mental obstacles he had installed in himself, showcasing a raw and magical talent that could win games single-handedly. Those games are becoming far less customary and more and more sought-after, yet Mancini sticks with the man that must frustrate him more than any other- at a detriment to his team and it's more dedicated players. It was clear once Balotelli, in what is now his customary fashion, skulked down the tunnel after being removed from play against United, that the 22-year old has not the maturity or temperament to compliment the skill set of a competitive City side.