Mattia De Sciglio has called on fans and media to leave Mario Balotelli alone as the forward reintegrates to the Italy squad.
The Liverpool striker had been ignored by Azzurri CT Antonio Conte for his first two squads, but was recalled for the matches against Croatia and Albania.
Mattia De Sciglio has called on fans and media to leave Mario Balotelli alone as the forward reintegrates to the Italy squad.
The Liverpool striker had been ignored by Azzurri CT Antonio Conte for his first two squads, but was recalled for the matches against Croatia and Albania.
In a Press conference ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia on Sunday, Milan defender De Sciglio called for Balotelli to be left alone.
“Mario is a player who like all of us has been given the opportunity to show his worth,” De Sciglio told journalists.
“You need to leave him alone.
“He’s always in the spotlight because of his unique character, but he’s a good guy, he’s very easy-going and calm with us.
“On the pitch he has the quality to come back and prove people wrong.”
At 22, De Sciglio is being touted as one of the next generation of great Italian defenders, alongside 20-year-old Daniele Rugani of Empoli, who could make his debut for Italy over the international retreat.
However, De Sciglio has also received criticism for his Milan form of late.
“I need continuity,” the full-back reflected.
“I just have to stay calm and not listen to what people say.
“I don’t care, I know my worth, I don’t like to talk. I prefer to show what I can do on the field.
“Ups and downs are normal for young people. I feel calm and will continue to work hard.”
Turning to the Croatia game, De Sciglio echoed teammate Andrea Ranocchia’s praise of Antonio Conte’s preparatory methods.
“The Coach works very hard, it’s details, details, details.
“We’ve memorised most of our phases of play, and that makes it easier. Each of us knows what to do with regards to movement etc.
“He has simplified everything. We do not fear [Croatia].
“We must be careful, they have good players, they’re a quality team.
“They have so many quality players it’s hard to name just one to be wary of.
“They’re a great team, who are ahead of us in the group, but we have to win because we’re at home.
“We need to concentrate on being great at our own game.
“We’re better than they are.”