Italy Door Remains Open for Mario Balotelli and Other Azzurri Outcasts
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli hasn’t had the easiest time since his summer move to Liverpool. Patchy performances have littered his increasingly rare appearances in the famous red shirt and as a result his chances in the Italian national team have decreased exponentially.
While Italy ran out a disjointed draw with England yesterday, the 24-year old no doubt continued to do the kind of things that man-boy millionaires tend to do when they’re not otherwise engaged by the trivialities of living the life of a sportsman, but Azzuri boss Antonio Conte has once again made it clear that Balotelli’s time in the national team no-mans land isn’t some sort of grudge and comes to down both his performances and has playing time for the Reds.
“I’m keeping an eye on everything the Leagues offer. I went to see Southampton-Liverpool and only Pellè played, as Balotelli and Fabio Borini were on the bench. The doors of the Nazionale are open to everyone who shows during their performances that they know what the Italy jersey represents and what it requires,” the former Juventus manager explained. “I hope Balotelli can give Liverpool significant support and play more often. If this should happen, then the doors are open for the Nazionale. The same goes for Borini, for Giovinco in Canada and Osvaldo in Argentina. We need these players to send us important messages and we will be ready to receive them.”
The controversial forward scored one and set up another for Jamie Carragher’s side on Sunday as he ran out in the Anfield Charity Match, but it’s going to take quite a bit more than a decent showing in a exhibition game to force his way back into the Italian national team. Although it’s starting to look like Daniel Sturridge will be fit in time to face Arsenal on Saturday, with Adam Lallana sidelined and Steven Gerrard suspended, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could look to the Italian striker to come in to the fold as he looks to bounce back immediately from the loss to Manchester United.