Mario Balotelli World Cup 2014: Italy striker demands a kiss (on the cheek) from the Queen if Italy beat Costa Rica

For England to remain in the competition they need Italy to win both their remaining matches against first Costa Rica and then Uruguay

James Orr
Friday 20 June 2014 08:11 EDT
Comments
Mario Balotelli heads home Italy's second half winner against England
Mario Balotelli heads home Italy's second half winner against England (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England must hope that Italy defeat Costa Rica this evening to have any chance of progressing to the second round, and Italy striker Mario Balotelli has revealed his demands should his team prevail - a kiss (on the cheek) from Her Majesty the Queen.

A Costa Rica victory, or a draw in the match between the teams at 5pm tonight, and then England are out.

The former Manchester City striker, who currently plays for AC Milan, tweeted immediately after England lost 2-1 to Uruguay:

"If we beat Costa Rica I want a kiss, obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen."

The 23-year-old, who scored the winner against England last week, appears a calmer and more relaxed figure than he has been recently – the only real Balotelli story to have appeared from the Italian training camp has been of him filling the Italy page in his World Cup stickers book with pictures of himself.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in