Adana Demirspor coach Vincenzo Montella underlined Mario Balotelli’s ambitions with the Italian national team and remembered how he helped Dusan Vlahovic grow in Florence.
The 47-year-old Italian coach, who is currently working closely with Balotelli in Turkey, feels that the Italian forward can give a lot to the Azzurri as they look to secure their spot in this year’s World Cup in Qatar. In the play-offs next month, Italy will face North Macedonia before playing the winner of Portugal-Turkey.
Speaking in an interview with GOAL, Montella first discussed Balotelli’s work with Adana Demirspor this season and his ambitions with the Azzurri.
“Since I arrived I’ve seen him very convinced that he wants to return to the national team. I found him in a very good condition and I’m very happy for him. Mancini gave him a good boost of confidence by calling him up again and Mario has great ambitions.
“Now it’s up to him to continue to progress in the coming months. We’ll see how the other strikers on the national team are, but unlike others he can shoot from thirty metres out. He is our most important and well-known player and I believe he has a long contract that binds him to the club.”
The Italian coach then discussed Vlahovic, who made an €80m move from Fiorentina to Juventus last week. The Serbian striker has been one of the stars of the season, scoring 17 goals in 21 Serie A games this campaign.
“It’s satisfying to see the level he has reached. When he was with me he was 18 years old and he was starting to play his first league games, but I had to cut him down in a place like Florence, because there was the risk of burning him out.
“He had great ambitions and worked hard, and that’s what you need if you want to become a great player. He was eager, but with humility. Now, as a former player, I understand him and I wish him all the best.”
Finally, Montella gave his thoughts on Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic, who is currently out for personal reasons related to his mental health.
“I love him. He is a guy who knew how to make himself loved in the locker room and was very nice. There are more important things in life than football and I wish him well.”
🎙 ESCLUSIVA 🎙
"Balotelli è molto motivato" 🔙🇮🇹
"A 18 anni Vlahovic smaniava, ma con umiltà" ⚪⚫
"Cassano? Con lui servono più energie" 💪
"Voglio bene a Ilicic, gli auguro di stare bene" 🙏Montella parla a GOAL 🗣️🔥
[@Gio_Dusi & @antorreasy]https://t.co/3tFYcmMFqD
— GOAL Italia (@GoalItalia) February 4, 2022