Giorgio Chiellini insists nobody in the Italy squad has a problem with Mario Balotelli returning to the fold.
The striker was called up for the first time by CT Antonio Conte for the matches against Croatia and Albania, after being criticised by senior squad members after Italy’s disastrous World Cup campaign.
Giorgio Chiellini insists nobody in the Italy squad has a problem with Mario Balotelli returning to the fold.
The striker was called up for the first time by CT Antonio Conte for the matches against Croatia and Albania, after being criticised by senior squad members after Italy’s disastrous World Cup campaign.
Chiellini has now insisted in today’s Press conference that there is no lingering resentment between Balotelli and the rest of the squad.
“There was nothing to fix [with Balotelli],” the big defender told the assembled media.
“We decided to make a point only about the World Cup. We know it went badly.
“It’s a new campaign, and you have to forget about the past, while remembering the desire to make up for what happened in this period.
“There was no confrontation, there was no need for one. The Coach makes the decisions, we’re a united group, who are focussed on winning.
“I understand that for you it’s important to know how many times [Balotelli] sneezed or went to the bathroom, but for us we only think about the team, and about winning.
“And that counts for everyone, no matter who they are.”
Chiellini also denied reports that senior members of the squad had been briefed by Antonio Conte ahead of Super Mario returning.
“No-one asked us anything about Balotelli. Everyone is important to this group.”