Mourinho dumps striker for Chelsea clash after stand-up row

Jose Mourinho has dumped Mario Balotelli from the Inter Milan team to face Chelsea tonight after a stand-up row with the striker, according to reports.

The 19-year-old - nicknamed 'Super Mario' was left behind in Italy after his long-running feud with the controversial coach blew up into a full-scale row over the weekend.

Mourinho refused to talk about Balotelli in his press conference yesterday and the player's agent, Mino Raiola, said his client was “bitter, sad and disappointed” by his omission.

Jose also banned players from a swanky £80-a-head Italian dinner last night at restaurant L'Amina, at which they were due to join Inter directors and staff.