Antonio Conte adjusted his warning that those who don’t play for their clubs won’t be called for Italy, including Mario Balotelli.
The Coach had pointed out this week that he’d find it difficult to call up players who spent most of their club careers on the bench.
“This time we’ve had only two Serie A rounds, so I had to call players based on their performances last season,” noted Conte in today’s Press conference.
Antonio Conte adjusted his warning that those who don’t play for their clubs won’t be called for Italy, including Mario Balotelli.
The Coach had pointed out this week that he’d find it difficult to call up players who spent most of their club careers on the bench.
“This time we’ve had only two Serie A rounds, so I had to call players based on their performances last season,” noted Conte in today’s Press conference.
“I have already said if someone doesn’t play, then he can’t really come to the Nazionale. However, if he plays chunks of games fairly regularly or is in the Cup competitions, then he can still be called.
“My original comment was twisted to the extreme. I didn’t say those who are not automatically first choice at club level won’t be called.”
Among those affected by this policy are Sevilla striker Ciro Immobile and new Juventus benchwarmer Simone Zaza.
“They continue to be part of the Nazionale and I hope they can find the space at club level that they are not finding right now.”
Another player struggling to get on the field is Balotelli, who has just completed a loan move from Liverpool to Milan. Can SuperMario earn his Italy spot back?
“That depends on him,” was Conte’s reply.