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    What's That On Mario Balotelli's Back?

    My Dad was wondering (while watching the Germany vs. Italy match in the Euro 2012 semi-finals) what the stick-on strips on Italian player Mario Balotelli's back was for...

    smurph25
    by smurph25

    Community Contributor

    p.twimg.com / Via Twitter: @epltalk

    This was what was on his back after he took off his shirt after scoring his 2nd goal against Germany on June 28th. Balotelli was given a yellow card for that, but on Twitter, there was a bit of debate...

    p.twimg.com / Via Twitter: @Football_Tweet_

    User @Football_Tweet_ and a few others suggest it may be for sportswear brand Adidas, if it is, he may be fined for illegal advertising.

    p.twimg.com / Via Twitter: @mediafun

    Cue the product placement... (Note: this is not a real ad but thie picture was the moment he was given the yellow card)

    User @dartfordgooner thought of another thing, happy in an English Premier League club?:

    Manchester City prepare £40m bid for Mario Balotelli. Realise they already have him. Pay the money anyway.

    My sister thinks it looks like back braces but whatever it is, we'll never know... until later on.

    It seems that he's using this:

    berryman.plus.com

    Kinesio tape

    (AKA Elastic Therapeutic Tape)

    First invented in 1970, the cotton strips with an acrylic adhesive used for treating athletic injuries.

    On a side note: Italy won 2-1 against Germany on the night.

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