Mario Balotelli Omitted from Italy Squad

The last day of the transfer window always creates a news vortex, but we can assure you that players being loaned back and forth wasn’t the only thing that happened yesterday with Italy supremo Antonio Conte standing firmly behind his decision to leave new Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli on the sidelines of his first  squad.

With a glittering playing career behind him, it’s safe to say that the newly installed Azzuri boss knows a thing or two about winning games — something he plans on doing with his squad, his way. “We have been monitoring every match. The call-ups are based on those we observed, with those we had footballing evidence on,” explained the Champions League winner. “I don’t have to send a message to anyone. Those who know me know very well how I operate, how I am, I do not present gifts to anyone.”

Despite being an ever present figure in the Italian national side since his days at Manchester City, Balotelli will be spending the international break back on Merseyside as Rodgers looks to get his new hit-man up to speed. While there’s little for Liverpool supporters to complain about there, the 24-year old is likely feeling a little miffed at the snub. Still, Conte hasn’t ruled out a return for the prodigal son — or any other player he left out in the cold.

“I also told the lads that today there is this group and that as long as they deserve to be in the national squad, to wear the Azzurri shirt they will remain, but that doesn’t mean that who’s there today will be there tomorrow and vice versa” he continued. “What is important is that those who are in the national team have to know how to behave and how to stay in the team.”