Mario Balotelli's ban reduced from 3 to 2 matches for AC Milan

Mario Balotelli and AC Milan are in third in Serie A, four ahead of Fiorentina.

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Mario Balotelli's ban for insulting a match official has been reduced from three matches to two on appeal but the AC Milan striker will still miss Sunday's key match at Juventus.

Balotelli already served the first match of the ban by sitting out last weekend's 1-1 draw with Napoli. He can return against Catania next week.

One match of the ban came for picking up his fourth booking of the season in the 2-2 draw at Fiorentina two weeks ago. Another two matches were added for insulting one of the assistant referees at the end of the same game.

Balotelli has scored 10 goals in 11 games for club and country in 2013.

Milan is third in Serie A, four points behind second-place Napoli.

Juventus leads Napoli by 11 points.