Italians won't buy used car from Balotelli, PM

Rome, Aug 7 (IANS/AKI) Only a few Italians would buy a used car from Manchester City soccer star Mario Balotelli or Prime Minister Mario Monti as they were not "trustworthy", a survey has found.

The study by Italian carmarket website Facile.it said that buying a second-hand car is an arduous task requiring trust.

The vehicle might disguise many problems, resulting in a lot of money in maintenance in its apparent perfection. This is why a trustworthy car salesman is essential.

For the majority of Italians, this was not the case for Balotelli, one of Italy's most recognisable soccer players, known for his on and off field antics.

Around 22 percent of Italians would look elsewhere before purchasing a used car from the Manchester City striker.

Closely following in second and third places were Italian art critic and politician Vittorio Sgarbi, with 20.9 percent of votes, and Prime Minister Monti, who got 16.7 percent.

The study said Monti's case may be justified as he introduced too many cost cuts and tax hikes.

Italians said they would trust Cesare Prandelli, manager of the national football team, who won the support of 19.4 percent Italians and Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who got 16.5 percent of the votes.

--IANS/AKI

pm/vt