Mario Balotelli is not the only notable forward left out by Italy coach Roberto Mancini for the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
The former Inter and Manchester City’s exclusion has divided fans, with some feeling as if his decent season with Adana Demirspor has done enough to justify a return to the team, whilst others are afraid of his inclusion upsetting the squad balance.
Mancini is hoping players like Ciro Immobile, Andrea Belotti, Nicolo Zaniolo, Joao Pedro and Giacomo Raspadori can make the difference against North Macedonia and the winner of Portugal-Turkey, leaving out a number of other options.
Juventus’ Moise Kean is rightfully absent, hardly impressing with Juventus this season. Federico Bernardeschi was also left at home in favour of Napoli’s Matteo Politano and Gianluca Caprari is also absent, with his strong season with Hellas Verona not being enough to get him back into the squad.
Mattia Destro and Andrea Pinamonti, who have both scored nine league gaols with Genoa and Empoli respectively this season, were also both left out from the squad.
Kean and Balotelli are probably similar levels. 5/10
Why Joao Pedro he is useless.
When was the last time Pedro scored in Serie A. He should never of been picked. Should of picked Caprari
João Pedro is such a joke selection. Mancini called up 33 players but on the match day itself I’m pretty sure he’s limited to 23; if this guy is one of those 23 it’ll be a disaster.
Pinamonti deserves to not only be on the squad ,but starting against N Macedonia.
Pinamonti not only deserves to be on the squad ,but start against N Macedonia.