Mario Balotelli could be in hot water again after he was booked for provoking Cagliari supporters after scoring against the Sardinian side in AC Milan's 2-1 win on Sunday.

Balotelli scored the equaliser from a 87th minute free kick at the end of the ground packed by Cagliari fans and the Gazzetta dello Sport showed a photograph of the maverick forward making what it described as a "vulgar gesture".

The forward was booked for his celebration, became involved in an angry altercation with Cagliari players shortly afterwards and had to be calmed down by team-mate Kaka.

"Supermario" has already served a three-match ban this season for insulting match officials and being sent off at the end of a match at home to Napoli.

If he is banned again, he could fall foul of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli's code of ethics and find himself dropped from their next match.