Italy CT Roberto Mancini explains that Joao Pedro’s versatility helped him earn a spot in the national team in place of Mario Balotelli.
The former Inter and Milan striker was one of the options for Mancini for the World Cup play-offs, which will be played next week.
Balotelli played his last game with the Azzurri in 2018 but was called for a get-together at Coverciano at the end of January, boosting the striker’s hopes to be part of the team for the play-offs.
“I brought those who could be more useful,” Mancini said at his first press conference from Coverciano.
“We only have a few training sessions. There isn’t much time to try new things. The basis is made by players who were part of the team at Euro 2020, except Bernardeschi, who is not fully fit. I couldn’t call 40 players. We have called strikers with different characteristics for these games.”
Mancini was asked why he called Cagliari striker Joao Pedro instead.
“There are no big reasons. Even in terms of numbers, there wasn’t much more I could do,” he insisted.
“It’s always sad to leave a player at home, whether he is Balotelli, Calabria or Bernardeschi, but that’s my choice. Joao Pedro can play in different roles in the attack.”
La Nazionale failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, finishing second in their qualification group behind Switzerland who they had beaten in the group stage of Euro 2020 in June.
Italy will host North Macedonia in the semi-finals at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo on Thursday, March 24. The potential Final will be played away against Turkey or Portugal on March 29.