Mario Balotelli set to return to Italy squad for the first time in three years
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Former Manchester City and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli is set to return to Italy national team for the upcoming international break at the January and for Italy’s upcoming crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Italy face North Macedonia in a one-off semi final in March.
After missing out on the surprising success at Wembley last July which saw Italy lift the Euro 2020 beating England in the finals. However Mario Balotelli had little chance of breaking through last summer’s squad, however in fairness the likes of Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti struggled to find goals with the pair scoring just 2 goals between them at Euro 2020.
This maybe the reason that Roberto Mancini has turned to Mario Balotelli for his experience and goalscoring ability. Nothing to take anything away from Ciro Immobile as he’s a European Championship winner and a former European Golden Shoe winner but his contribution for the Italy has been a concern as the Lazio captain as scored just 15 goals in 54 caps for Italy. Meanwhile Balotelli has 14 goals in 36 appearances for Italy.
Can Mario Balotelli help Italy in the FIFA World Cup playoffs ?
After a disappointing spell at his native side Brescia and a short spell at Serie B side Monza, it felt like Mario Balotelli’s days at the top level football are sadly coming to an end. However the 31-year-old striker has found some form at the Turkish club Adana Demirsport since making a move last July scoring eight goals under manager Vincenzo Montella.
Here is what Vincenzo Montella saidabout Mario Balotelli, “In his career, Mario has created an image of himself and he has to accept it, But he’s managed to adapt to our system and his physical condition is improving day by day.”
What do you think about Mario Balotelli’s return to the Italy national team ?
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Waseem Shaikh
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