Ciro Immobile explains why he went to Borussia Dortmund and feels Italy won’t miss Mario Balotelli.

The striker spoke at a Press conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo.

He was partnered by Sassuolo forward Simone Zaza, who will likely also start alongside him on the field.

Ciro Immobile explains why he went to Borussia Dortmund and feels Italy won’t miss Mario Balotelli.

The striker spoke at a Press conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo.

He was partnered by Sassuolo forward Simone Zaza, who will likely also start alongside him on the field.

“What do I like about Simone? We are an ignorant pair! He has great physicality, always puts grit and determination into every move and that is fundamental.

“He has technical qualities that are obvious and above all is hungry to climb the career ladder. If you have quality and add grit to it, then some things happen spontaneously.”

Immobile was at the ill-fated World Cup and sees big differences under Antonio Conte.

“I can see a united group now. The team is moving in unison towards a single objective, wearing this jersey with respect and pride. I haven’t found 11 players plus the rest, we are a group and I expected that knowing Conte.”

Zaza and Immobile have effectively pushed Balotelli out of the side, as the Liverpool striker was not even called up.

“Balotelli? There are other strikers here who are doing very well, players with great quality and if they are here it’s because they deserved to be.

“I know Mario well, he’s a good guy, but the Coach makes the call-ups.”

Ex-Torino star Immobile also advised Zaza to follow him to the Bundesliga.

“I made the move to Germany because Borussia gave me an opportunity the Italian clubs would not. I am playing for a big club, a prestigious side and I am happy. It was always my dream to score in the Champions League, so my goal against Arsenal was an emotional moment.

“At the start of the season I was having difficulty, but after coming back to the Italy squad I had some more important moments with the Borussia jersey.

“I scored in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, so coming on international duty in September was very important for me on a psychological level.

“Borussia aren’t having a great moment, but the fans are still close to us and nobody put Klopp’s position in doubt.”

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