Simone Zaza has says he’s delighted that Mario Balotelli has been recalled to the Italy squad, calling the Liverpool man ‘a champion’.
Simone Zaza has says he’s delighted that Mario Balotelli has been recalled to the Italy squad, calling the Liverpool man ‘a champion’.
Balotelli had not been selected in either of Antonio Conte’s first two Italy squads, while Sassuolo forward Zaza has played twice, scoring his first international goal in the 2-0 victory over Norway.
Despite being seen by many as a replacement for Balotelli, Zaza insisted last month that there was room for both himself and ‘Super Mario’ in the Azzurri set-up.
Now both players will join up with the Azzurri at Coverciano ahead of games with Croatia and Albania, and Zaza is delighted to link up with the former Milan striker.
“I think Balotelli is a champion, I’m glad the Coach has called him, so I can get to know him,” the 23-year-old told reporters when arriving in Florence for the start of training today.
“It’s true that his arrival will increase competition, but I’m not worried, because Italy comes before everything else.
“We’re all good lads, and the competition will only help the team.
“I knew Balotelli would be called-up, because he’s one of the best Italian players. He was going through a tough spell, but I knew he’d be back.
“I don’t have anything to say to him, [except] I hope to get to know him and we become good friends.”
Zaza also took time to reflect on his own form, and thanked Italy CT Antonio Conte for having faith in him.
“I’m happy to be selected for the national team again, it confirms that there’s confidence in me, particularly on Conte’s part.
“He’s a demanding Coach, and he wants players who display certain characteristics.
“He asks that as a team you think more about the group than the individual, because he wants the good of the team, and individuals are valued only by what they do for the group.
“After my first call-up, I went through a period where I wasn’t in top form, I was stressed because so much had changed in my life.
“Then I recovered, and I was ok after three games, even against Juventus. I was injured, but I’m on the road to recovery now.
“I’m fine, and I want to do well for the national team.”