Mario Balotelli seemed to be enjoying his return to the Italy training camp after three years, modelling the new Azzurri jersey with a broad grin.
The Adana Demirspor striker is back at Coverciano after being called up for a get-together by coach Roberto Mancini.
Now 31, he has 14 goals in 36 senior caps for Italy, although his most recent appearance was in September 2018 during the Nations League 1-1 draw with Poland.
There’s no guarantee he will be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs in March against North Macedonia and then either Turkey or Portugal.
He was one of many players called in for Mancini to evaluate in a three-day training camp at Coverciano.
SuperMario seemed to be having a ball, grinning broadly in training and visibly proud as he modelled the Azzurri jersey for the cameras.
Balo has rediscovered his scoring touch in Turkey, finding the net nine times with five assists in 21 competitive appearances for the club.
#Balotelli, che giornata a #Coverciano! È modello in azzurro ⬇️ https://t.co/nchtqShkL3
— Tuttosport (@tuttosport) January 26, 2022
Lets hope Mario Balotelli keeps is feet on the ground this time round.
He could be one of the best.
No more party’s. Be strong for the Azzurri and play strong.
No more comments of a kiss from the queen, lol
From the clips I have seen from him in Turkey, he still has that knack for taking shots from 20-25 yards out, and beating the keeper a far share of the time. Could be a very dangerous weapon for Italy, esp. against teams that choose to sit deep.
Not sure he has the pace any more, and he has never been great in the air, but he is strong and has really good first touch and chest control. The X factor has always been what is going on, or lack thereof, between his ears.
I hope it goes well for him, and Italy.
I am not sure many realize how much potential he had. Yes he was the architect of most of his downfall but that was a lot of pressure.
I am always made to laugh by people that think Mario is stupid or the nonsense the press write about him, he is the one punished, another silly thing is this notion he isn’t smart, I have never met a person that speaks 5 languages that wasn’t smart. I also have never seen a player who reads the game better. When balotelli is on he can beat a keeper from 30 yards out.
Zaniolo to Ballotelli goal!!!!!
I hope he sees the great opportunity this is for him. He could wipe out a lot of his past “missteps” by coming in and working hard and helping carry the team to the WC. From zero to hero!
Italian Quaresma
I wrote it recently and will repeat it here now.
If we play Portugal, be wary of that swine Pepe who will goad him into getting sent off. Goes for all players, not only Balo.
@Luigi ‘he has never been great in the air’. Do you not remember what he did against Germany in the Euros and England in the WC? He knocked them both out with great headers. I hope it goes well – and he should at least be on the bench.
Seeing as the other forwards can’t score for their lif, it seems to me a good idea to give Balotelli a chance.
Why not Scamacca
@Eduardo VINCERE SENZA RUBARE I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve got high hopes in the long term for Scamacca – and dreams of him joining Milan!
Eduardo
Wierd question. Scamacca is also at the Training Camp.
I will always love Balo for his two goals which destroyed Germany and made me very unpopular in the German company I once worked for. He has that X factor that can turn games. Forza SuperMario!
atlast my wish and team selection was finally justified with Super Mario there!! Thanks guys for noticing that!!Vai Azzurri!!
He can hide his joy, I can’t hide my disgust.
JEZ0, RIGHT ON 100%
Got some serious limitations.
He is simply not a champion.
Got to question his lack of professionalism, desire. Seems to have an attitude problem for sure.
Mancini is weak for this player, just like the past.
Antonio Conte would never pick him.
The likes of Scamacca, Raspadori are the future. He’s finished.