Mario Balotelli to be a father!

He may have been crying tears of sadness after his country lost to Spain last night but, Mario Balotelli already received some consolation before the game had been played.

The Italy striker's ex-girlfriend Raffaella Fico had told him ahead of the semi-final match against Germany, that she was pregnant with his child.

The 24-year-old model has confirmed that the baby she is having belongs to the footballer dubbed Super Mario.

Speaking to Italian website Sport Mediaset, she said: 'I called the day before the game against Germany and I said, I'm expecting a baby, it's your baby.

'After a pause he said 'You gave me the best news of the world.''

Raffaella was surprised when she discovered that she was pregnant in the middle of May, because she ended her relationship with Mario on 29 April.

She kept the good news to herself after taking a test but eventually revealed the pregnancy to some of her family.

She told the website: 'I went to a pharmacy outside Milan to buy a pregnancy test and I found I was pregnant. But I only told my mother and my brother.'

Rafaella now claims that a delighted Mario, 21, is eager to commit to her and rebuild their failed relationship.

She said that he never stopped loving her and he always wanted to have a son with her and even get married.

She said: 'Last Christmas, he told me, 'let's get married and make a son', and I accepted.'

Unfortunately the couple broke up after his numerous alleged affairs, but Fico, who was spotted showing off her bump last week in Rome, is certain things will be different this time.

She insists that she does not need money and never intended to trap a rich footballer, however, her offspring will bring plenty of pride to Balotelli, who stormed off the pitch after last night's defeat.

Raffaella, who has appeared on Italy's Big Brother and previously dated Cristiano Ronaldo, added that although the sex of the baby is unknown, Mario will choose the name.

She started dating the Man City player at the start of last year but he was accused of meeting former escort Jennifer Thompson - who had advertised herself as a £1,200-a-night call girl under the name 'Juicy Jeni'  and previously enjoyed a fling with Wayne Rooney - five times and had sex with her twice behind Miss Fico’s back.

Last night the footballer was crying uncontrollably and pushed an official out of the way as he left the pitch following Italy's four goal thrashing.

The bad sportsman was eventually coaxed back on to the field but stayed alone on the pitch as he sat and contemplated the defeat.