Playboy Model Veronica Graf Reportedly Claims Sex Scandal with Mario Balotelli

Playboy model Veronica Graf has claimed she cheated on Inter Milan's Saphir Taider during a foursome involving Mario Balotelli, the AC Milan striker's brother Enoch and another female.

Graf revealed the alleged fling on Italy's current Big Brother series, where she is a contestant, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and via 101 Great Goals:

It’s unknown whether Veronica Graf’s explosive claims are true, whilst Italy's Big Brother censored broadcasting her statements on their TV show for fear of defamation claims. Nevertheless the story is being covered on every Italian sports and gossip website on Tuesday.

Graf suggests the incident took place a week before she entered the Big Brother house. She also suggested Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain has "courted" her in recent times in an admission that is likely to create major headlines for the Serie A players in question.

This isn't the first time Balotelli has been caught up in cheating claims. The Milan forward is said to have cheated on previous girlfriend Raffaella Fico for two years while he resided at Manchester City, as reported by Holly Thomas of the Daily Mail.

Tabby Brown, another former model girlfriend of the Italian striker, suggested she left Balotelli for similar reasons back in February 2013, per Rachael Bletchly of the Mirror:

I really fell for Mario – against my better judgment. He told me he wanted us to settle down and have a family. Then I found out he was having a baby with his ex, there were constant stories about him partying with other women, and all the 'she's just a friend' texts.

Sophie Reade, a former Big Brother winner in the UK, was also said to have been cheated on by Balotelli in 2011, according to the Daily Mail.

Balotelli has received plenty of criticism in recent weeks for his inconsistent displays at the San Siro. Clarence Seedorf's men failed to overcome a rampant Atletico Madrid during their 5-1 aggregate loss in the Champions League round of 16, a result that forced many to denounce Balotelli's lack of leadership skills.

As Sumeet Paul of ESPN FC reported, the Italian press were on the 23-year-old's back prior to Graf's claims coming to light:

That was a sentiment echoed by Billy Costacurta this week, as the Sky Sport Italia pundit revealed his belief on Balotelli: "He is not a star and in my view will never be a world class player".

It was a damning verdict for a player that appeared to be on the verge of becoming a world class player, with his influential role at Euro 2012 preceding a successful first six months with the Rossoneri.

Balotelli has netted 13 goals in 28 appearances for Milan this season, per WhoScored.com. Despite this, the elite club are 12th in Serie A and looking likely to be without European football for at least a season. Taider, Graf's boyfriend, has managed one goal in 22 league performances since joining Inter's midfield during the summer.

Whether his latest accusation of cheating proves to be true, Balotelli has plenty of detractors to prove wrong. While Milan's season is proving to be a lost cause, the young forward must maintain focus ahead of the summer's World Cup.

Italy have the quality and experience to challenge in Brazil. Balotelli's concentration can make all the difference, if he is afforded the opportunity to shine by Cesare Prandelli. Once again, Balotelli's summer looks set to be dominated by headlines made off the pitch, not on it.