Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has apologised for his joke regarding Mario Balotelli's skin colour.

The Azzurri squad was kept indoors yesterday due to the on-going protests in the country, except for Balotelli who had arranged some charity work.

Prandelli was then quoted in the Daily Mail as saying in a press conference, "He was the only one who had permission because his colour is a little different than ours."

Later in the conference, before the matter became too serious, he clarified his comments, saying, "I'm sorry. It was a joke. Of course.

"Before I said something about the colour of our skin. I am glad we clarified that issue about why he was the only one allowed out.

"He was surrounded by all these people but he was working with a charity and doing something nice."

Italy will meet Brazil in their final game of the Confederations Cup group stages, and the winner will top the group going into the next round.