Inter legend Suarez: Balotelli not world class

The former Spain international has questioned the forward`s ability to rise to the big occasion when he does not have a strong supporting cast

Paris: Inter legend Luis Suarez has claimed that last weekend`s Milan derby proved that Mario Balotelli still cannot be considered a world-class player.

The Rossoneri forward struggled to make an impact in the game at San Siro, as Massimiliano Allegri`s struggling side slumped to a 1-0 defeat, with Rodrigo Palacio scoring the only goal of the game with just four minutes to go. Suarez was extremely underwhelmed with Balotelli`s contribution to the AC Milan cause, arguing that the obvious dearth of talent around him cannot be used an excuse for such a sub-standard showing in one of the most famous fixtures in world football. "One sees a world-class player in games like the derby, meaning he is not one yet," the former Spain international told a leading website. "Palacio and [Inter midfielder Fredy] Guarin played like world-class players, without the support of the team ..." Balotelli has managed just six Serie A goals this season for Milan, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the standings. Goal.com