Mario Balotelli has been snubbing delicacies, preferring to hang out in Italian restaurant.

Manchester City star Mario Balotelli isn't too keen on his local grub.

The Italian striker has been snubbing delicacies such as chips and gravy in favour of more familiar cuisine.

He has become a regular customer at Italian restaurant San Carlo in the city centre.

Mario eats there so regularly he has even been given his own dedicated table.

A source said: "Mario pops in practically every night.

"He brings his mates along with him for a meal whenever they are over from Italy and he also comes in on his own a lot.

"The waiters love him and he is always good fun when he pops down.

"They are even helping him to improve his English - he's their favourite guest."

Roberto Mancini: Sometimes I want to punch Balotelli!

After victory over Aston Villa, Man City boss Roberto Mancini admits he'd like to thump hat-trick hero Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli's first City treble, including two cheeky penalties, took his tally to eight goals in eight games but his response to the general euphoria was typically muted.

Mancini smiled: "I would like to punch him sometimes! When you score three goals in the Barclays Premier League I think you should celebrate. After the first goal he did celebrate - for one second, I think! At least he smiled!

"Our supporters love Mario - they love all the players. Mario must understand this, because it is important for a player. Every day I fight against him! But he is young. He was with me at 17 years old, so I know him very well."

Mario Balotelli involved in an accident on his way to City's Carrington training ground

Audi do that? This is the crumpled wreckage of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli's £120,000 supercar.

The £24million signing from Inter Milan was at the wheel of his customised Audi R8 on the way to City's Carrington training ground yesterday morning when it was involved in a collision with a BMW.

Police were called to the scene of the accident on the A56 Chester Road and the Italian was questioned before being picked up in a club Mercedes.

Balotelli is out of today's Premier League clash at Sunderland with a knee injury - not caused by yesterday's accident.

A City spokesman said: "The club can confirm there was an incident this morning near the training ground. Mario crashed his Audi into a BMW but, thankfully, emerged unhurt.

"He was able to train as normal and no police charges have been brought against any party."

Balotelli made an impressive goalscoring debut in City's 1-0 Europa League play-off first leg win in Timisoara but the wheels appear to have come off since then. He needed a scan to ascertain whether he damaged his knee cartilage during that match.

And yesterday's accident has left him without his cherished motor left-hand drive which he had imported from Italy.

The arrival of another stunning WAG to the city of Manchester..Welcome Melissa Castagnoli

Is Mario Balotelli's girlfriend now the fittest WAG in England?

Abbey Clancy and Carly Cole might find their cute noses put out of joint by the arrival of Italian hottie Melissa Castagnoli.

The Miss Italy finalist popped out for dinner on Sunday with her fella, Man City's new £22.5million striker.

They clearly fancied a taste of home as they went to San Carlo, Manchester's top Italian eaterie.

No doubt she'll soon be getting familiar with those other essential WAG destinations - clothes boutiques, hair salons and tanning booths.