The striker was due to report back to Inter Milan on Friday following international duty, but was not on his scheduled flight from South America.

The Brazilian football federation (CBF) have moved to deny various reports about Adriano by insisting he is at home with his family as he attempts to overcome a "delicate" personal situation, a claim which has been backed by the player's agent.

The 27-year-old's whereabouts were a mystery for much of the weekend and various reports suggested the forward could have been arrested after a party or might even be dead.

Mancini, who was replaced by Jose Mourinho at the San Siro last summer, said he was always supportive of the player when it came to off-the-pitch issues and revealed that he had even suggested he leave the club.

"I have always tried to help Adriano fully," Mancini said in an interview for Italian broadcasters Replay.

"When a coach does not play a player, the relationship becomes difficult. But for the other problems I have always tried to give him a hand. Sometimes I was asked to go to Brazil and I asked what was best for him.

"I advised him to leave Inter Milan but now we must think about pulling Adriano the man out from this situation and only experts in the field can do this.

"He's a good boy, I hope he can rise again."

Adriano's agent Gilmar Rinaldi confirmed that the player was currently residing at his mother's house.

"Adriano is at the house of his mother," Rinaldi told www.calciomercato.it.

"Adriano has a particular problem we are trying to solve and about which we do not want to talk now."

Asked when he might return to Italy, Rinaldi said: "This is something that we will see at the right time. Inter and the Brazilian federation know everything and they will be updated hour by hour on any news.

"I spoke with Inter, with (Brazil coach) Dunga and with the CBF on behalf of Adriano."