Mario Balotelli 'upset and speechless' after Piermario Morosini death

PIERMARIO MOROSINI: The midfielder died after collapsing during Livorno’s match against Pescara (AFP)

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli was left "upset and speechless" by the death of Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini.

The 25-year-old, who was on loan from Udinese, suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday's Serie B match at Pescara.

Balotelli, who played for the Italy Under-21s at the same time as Morosini, was quoted by english.gazzetta.it as saying: "He was a great lad.

"It's a terrible event and makes you reflect on your own existence. It teaches you to appreciate life and to live it with care and dignity."

He added: "I was upset and speechless when I heard of Morosini's death. I couldn't believe it and thought it was a terrible joke.

"He was a great lad, a really great lad."

The Italian Football Association postponed all remaining matches in the country over the weekend because of the tragedy.

PA