Giovanni Trapattoni has likened Milan enigma Mario Balotelli to controversial Brazilian forward Edmundo.
Giovanni Trapattoni has likened Milan enigma Mario Balotelli to controversial Brazilian forward Edmundo.
Trap worked with the latter, nicknamed ‘O Animal’ for his sometimes-erratic behaviour, at Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”5″>Fiorentina in the late 1990s.
“Balotelli reminds me of Edmundo,” the legendary tactician told Radio Anch’io Sport on Monday.
“I used to talk with him until one or two o’clock in the morning to try and understand what was his problem.
“He used to say ‘yes, yes’ to me and then he’d take to the field of play and argue with Gabriel Batistuta and Manuel Rui Costa…
“Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is good, but he has to be aware as some players carry the risk of snapping the balance within a team.”
Balotelli is a key man for Prandelli, especially heading into the 2014 World Cup Finals in Brazil.
“I think the hosts will be one of the favourites, even if Italy can do very well,” the former Republic of Ireland manager added.
“We have creativity and geniality, and we tend to do well in these competitions. As well as having players of value, there is also a tactical sense – something that not every team has.
“Prandelli can really target the top.”
Trap, 74, added that he is looking to return to the game after leaving the Republic by mutual consent in September.
“I have a lot of offers, from America and Japan, but I can’t make a mistake in my decision,” he continued.
“I’ll have a few meetings soon where I will decide whether to go east or west. I still have great enthusiasm, I want to carry on.”