I wouldnt say its only racist but racism can derive from it. Nationalistiv views are more likely.but still even a lot of third and fourth generation italian americans tell people they are italian. No they are Americans which they also relate to but they hold on to their heritage proudly. Not because anti american views but proud of where they came from. Happens a lot in every country really. Problem is when people bring their own country somewhere and want new country to adopt it. That can cause racism and nationalism I think. Camo could have considered himself more Italian because of his family structure and heritage while Balo could be more African. I surely dont know. Same reason why Boateng brothers play for different teams I supose
If African-Americans identify as American then I imagine Balotelli identifies as Italian.
Born here to Italian parents, schooled and lived all his life in Italy and plays for the Italian national team as he cannot declare for any other team. For me he sounds more Italian than Camoranesi who grew up his entire life in Argentina and only declared for Italy because he couldn't get into the Argentinian national team. In addition Argentina isn't like America where Italian-Americans find deep connections with their heritage. In Argentina most Argentinians have Italian heritage but they would not consider themselves anything but Argentinian.
I wonder if the poster in question regards the hundreds of thousands of black Italians who are now born in Italy to not be 'real' Italian?
It's racism pure and simple. Balotelli does not consider himself 'African'. he has never set foot in Africa, has no known family from Africa and no African connections other than the colour of his skin. To even insinuate that he is more African, or that he himself considers himself African first and Italian second is racism pure and simple.