Italy CT Roberto Mancini believes Mario Balotelli can be a leader for the national team and “he’s not the only one”.
The striker was recalled by Mancio for his first three matches in charge of the Azzurri, and is behind only Mattia De Sciglio and Leo Bonucci for the captaincy.
“I feel affection for him, of course,” Mancini told GQ when asked about his protégé.
Italy CT Roberto Mancini believes Mario Balotelli can be a leader for the national team and “he’s not the only one”.
The striker was recalled by Mancio for his first three matches in charge of the Azzurri, and is behind only Mattia De Sciglio and Leo Bonucci for the captaincy.
“I feel affection for him, of course,” Mancini told GQ when asked about his protégé.
“However, his return to the Azzurri was for purely footballing reasons. Mario is only 28 and still has time to achieve everything he wants, because as well as his physicality and technical ability he now has experience.
“He’s grown in every respect. Considering that the national team is destined to lose the core which kept us afloat until the failure with Sweden – whether that’s now or in a few years – I need new leaders.
“Mario has the age and the technical credibility to do that, and luckily he’s not the only one.”
Mancio never played in the World Cup as a player, and the Azzurri will be watching this year’s tournament in Russia from home.
“Right now I’m thinking about qualifying for the European Championships and playing well there. I always play to win.
“I confess though that the idea of the World Cup, given the precedents, already has my mind racing.
“[Enzo] Bearzot didn’t call me in 1986 because I wouldn’t apologise for a good night in Manhattan, then [Arrigo] Sacchi didn’t take me in 1994 because I wouldn’t go back on the decision to self-exclude myself.
“In 1990 [Azeglio] Vicini called me but I never played. As a result I never played a single minute at the World Cup, something I find absurd even if it was almost all my own fault.”
One of the most impressive players in Italy’s three friendlies was Federico Chiesa…
“From time to time I just stop and watch him, because I time travel with him,” Mancini admitted.
“Federico is identical to his father Enrico: the same dummies, the same acceleration, a very similar shot…
“This year he hasn’t scored as many as his potential should dictate, but he’s a classic talent who could explode at any moment.”