Antonio Conte has called on Mario Balotelli to prove his worth in the Italy squad following the striker’s return from the international wilderness.
The Liverpool attacker initially failed to make the cut under the former Juventus boss, but after being recalled for the matches against Croatia and Albania, the Coach is desperate to see the 24-year-old rediscover his best form for the Azzurri.
Antonio Conte has called on Mario Balotelli to prove his worth in the Italy squad following the striker’s return from the international wilderness.
The Liverpool attacker initially failed to make the cut under the former Juventus boss, but after being recalled for the matches against Croatia and Albania, the Coach is desperate to see the 24-year-old rediscover his best form for the Azzurri.
“He certainly has significant experience with the Azzurri. He took part in a World Cup and European Championship,” explained Conte in taking several questions on Balotelli at today’s Press conference.
“But that won’t be all I am looking at, he must demonstrate that he can be a part of a certain type of football.
“The other four strikers have already given me valuable feedback, so they start at an advantage.”
Conte was also asked about Balotelli appearing in a London nightclub hours after Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea.
“I don’t want to get into club affairs. All I know is that when I was the Coach of the club, everyone behaved as they saw fit after games.
“The problem now is that in every situation, you are still learning. I feel sorry for him, but now he is here and must show his response here.
“He’s important for everyone, I’ll only judge him on what he does with us. I won’t be influenced by any external factors, but you know what my principles and rules are.
“I think Mario is Liverpool’s main striker, and often any considerations [for strikers] are based on their goals.
“We’ve followed him, and he’s always tried to do his best, even if at times there was no other way [for him]. He’s 24 and not the youngest anymore.
“The national team need continuity. If we call everyone in Serie A up after just three minutes then it no longer becomes an ambition to get here.
“Stefano Okaka and others are doing well, Matri and Quagliarella are not doing badly. There is a path of growth that has been entrusted to me and the choices I make.
“This route has today provided Balotelli with the chance to show what he can be. Should he not prove himself, it’ll be for a reason. One must always try to do their best, but if they aren’t interested in the call-ups…
“There are no particular hierarchies. I say that the other four are ahead of [Balotelli] because they have already worked with me.
“If then, in a week, he shows me that he’s joined the others in terms of concepts, desire, enthusiasm and passion, then he will have overcome these hierarchies.”