Madcap Mario Balotelli has risked sparking a feud with manager Patrick Vieira after his sarcastic response to being benched.

The former Manchester City ace joined Serie A side Genoa on a free transfer to Genoa in October when Alberto Gilardino was in charge. But the Italian has only made six appearances, collecting 56 minutes of football, with Vieira brought in as the new coach in late November.

Balotelli was again left on the bench in the 0-0 draw with Lecce on Sunday evening and was never even instructed to warm up. After the game he wrote on his Instagram account: “I want to clarify that I am fully fit and that, thanks to God, I have no problems . I’ll anticipate this just in case silly things are said in the future, as has already happened in similar situations in the past. A kiss to everyone and Forza Genoa.”

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Reports in Italy have linked Balotelli with a departure already given his lack of game time. The duo’s relationship was not in the best condition when they were together before that in the Ligue 1 team, Nice. The World Cup winner replied to questions over Balotelli's absence.

“Mario is an important player, like Sabelli and Vogliacco, who were not introduced,” said the former Arsenal midfielder. "We have other players on the bench. We are a team, and we are all important. I made this decision today; tomorrow, it may change.

"The club and the team are the most important things. If we understand this, we’ll be doing important things like today.”

Balotelli’s contract at Marassi runs out at the end of the season.