The Italy international has been repeatedly targeted by groups of opposing fans since his return to Serie A in January, with Roma issued a fine last season due to offensive singing within the stands while Inter supporters also singled out the attacker during February's Milan derby.
The former Manchester City man was subjected to further chants by Juventus fans despite not featuring for the Rossoneri in their 3-2 defeat in Turin, but Cannavaro feels the fans' efforts to goad the attacker are simply due to the fact they are afraid of his prowess on the pitch.
"[Balotelli chants are caused by] fear, perhaps respect. He has an attitude they don't like, then he is strong and opponents are scared of him. That's why they goad him," the World Cup winner wrote in Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani was furious after his side were handed a stadium ban after alleged perjorative chants against southern Italians and Cannavaro agrees that the actions of the minority of fans are motivated by "stupidity" rather than racial discrimination.
