Italy’s interim manager Luigi Di Biagio told Mario Balotelli has opened the door for a return to Italy national team at this year’s friendly match if he keeps his record perfect at French Ligue 1 club Nice this season.
Balotelli has not played for Italy since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, he expected to join the first team under Italy’s interim manager Di Biagio. He has scored 22 goals and an assist in 31 appearances in all competitions for Nice this season.
“Numbers and goals are important for forwards but they have to be linked to certain type of performance.” Di Biagio told.
“Right or wrong, I consider what was right for me and for the good of the squad, and felt this was the right choice. I have looked, judged and decided. I will continue to follow him and we will see what he does in the next few months.
“Mario’s not done anything wrong, it’s nothing to do with that. I just took into consideration absolutely everything regarding the match when I made my choices.” Di Biagio added.
The 46-year-old also told the chance of former Italys’ Gianluigi Buffon return to the first team this year. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had already announced his withdrawal from the national team, but Di Biagio once again asking the 40-year-old goalkeeper to reconsider his decision to retire from the first team.
“Gigi may also be here to aggregate, but he’s here first and foremost to play and help me, and give added value on and off the ground. He’ll play one or both of the matches. I will evaluate that.” Di Biagio told.
Italy’s interim manager Luigi Di Biagio announces Italy squad for Argentina and England friendlies matches. (Source:www.dailymail.co.uk)
“The fact that in Italy there is a tendency to write old players off is not a problem. I will do what I feel is right based on what I see, not on what I read. He will play, then there are two other goalkeepers pressing to steal his position when he gets a bit older.” Di Biagio added.
Italy will play their friendly match against Argentina and England on Friday and Tuesday at Wembley Stadium. This is their first match since last November when they failed to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
