Balotelli named in Italy squad for first time since 2018

Striker Mario Balotelli has been recalled by Italy coach Roberto Mancini more than three years after he last played for the Azzurri for a training camp ahead of 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Monday.

The 31-year-old Balotelli was one of several surprise call ups including Brazil-born Joao Pedro, now an Italian citizen, who was recently cleared to play for Italy.

Mancini intends to take advantage of the three-day camp at the national training center at Coverciano, near Florence, ahead of tricky play-offs in late March against North Macedonia and, in the case of victory, either Portugal or Turkey.

Balotelli, who made the last of his 36 international appearances in September 2018 and has scored 14 goals for Italy, now plays for newly-promoted Turkish side Adana Demirspor.

Balotelli scored regularly for Nice for two seasons in France prior to a short spell with Marseille before moving swiftly on to Brescia back in Italy and then Monza in Italy’s Serie B.

He previously played for both Milan clubs, winning three league titles with Inter, but disciplinary problems have dogged much of his career - though he starred for Italy in Euro 2012 - that season he also won the Premier League with City.

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