Despite the FIGC’s pleas him to be called up, Brescia striker Mario Balotelli looks set to miss out on a place in the next Italy squad.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina claimed earlier in the week it would be “an extraordinary message to the world” if Mancini called up Balotelli in light of him being racially abused by Verona fans.
Despite the FIGC’s pleas him to be called up, Brescia striker Mario Balotelli looks set to miss out on a place in the next Italy squad.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina claimed earlier in the week it would be “an extraordinary message to the world” if Mancini called up Balotelli in light of him being racially abused by Verona fans.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports the CT is only prepared to pick players on form and that he is still not convinced the 29-year-old has turned a corner in his Brescia career.
The former Inter and Milan hitman has scored just two goals in six appearances for the Rondinelle since signing on a free transfer in August.
He also has a new boss to impress in Fabio Grosso after the World Cup winner replaced Eusebio Corini earlier in the week.
The Azzurri have already booked their place at Euro 2020 and see out their qualification campaign with matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia over the next 10 days.