A player on Italy's national soccer team who was taunted by fans from his own country is asking for help in the fight against racism. Mario Balotelli was born in Italy and is of Ghanian descent. He was jeered every time he touched the ball during Italy's exhibition game with Romania on Wednesday.

Mario Balotelli is asking for help in the fight against racism in Italian football. Balotelli, who was born in Italy but is of Ghanian descent, was booed every time he touched the ball during the Azzurri's friendly with Romania on Wednesday. The taunts came from a group of about 100 extreme right-wing Italian fans who traveled to the match in Klagenfurt, Austria.

Italy struggled with its experimental lineup but managed to draw 1-1 with Romania in a friendly Wednesday marred by racist taunts directed at Azzurri forward Mario Balotelli. Stuttgart striker Ciprian Marica scored for Romania in the 34th minute, finding the net from the edge of the box after the ball bounced between defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Balzaretti.

Italy is hoping to build its future around Mario Balotelli and the Manchester City forward will be put to the test in Wednesday's friendly against Romania. Balotelli made his Azzurri debut in a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast in a friendly in August, then injured his knee, had surgery, and missed Italy's opening four European Championship qualifiers.