With the international break soon approaching, reports claim that former AC Milan and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will be given another chance with a callup to the Italian national team to prove himself and stake a claim in the forward line. The Golden Boy Award’s 2010 winner last appeared for the Azzurri during the UEFA Nations League in September 2018.
Balotelli has a history of failing to live up to the expectations of his managers and his own potential. Despite having played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool, he failed to leave a mark and his spells were marked by erratic inconsistencies as well as off-field problems.
He spent two years in Serie B with Brescia and Monza before moving to Turkey in July 2021 on free transfer. The 31-year-old is currently playing for Adana Demirspor in Turkey and has been impressive in the Super Lig this season. Away from the spotlight, he seems to have rediscovered himself and has four goals and eight assists in 20 appearances across all tournaments this season.
According to Sky Sports Italia, head coach Roberto Mancini, who spearheaded the team to UEFA Euro glory last summer, will call up 35 players on January 26 and 27. Those players will be provided the opportunity to impress the boss and potentially earn a place in the squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying playoff game against North Macedonia on March 24.
Renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Mancini seems to be ready to give Balotelli another chance for the Azzurri.
The duo worked together at Manchester City and had an uncharacteristic relationship. While the attacker never earned himself any favours with his off-field antics and inconsistencies on the pitch, Mancini always seemed sympathetic to his situation.
Balotelli’s last appearance for the newly crowned European champions arrived back in September 2018 in the UEFA Nations League. On that occasion, Italy drew 1-1 with Poland. He last scored an international goal in May 2018, in a friendly 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
Balotelli has made 36 international appearances for his country and has netted 14 times. Out of the current players in the Italian squad who are available, only striker Ciro Immobile has scored more goals (15).
