adminITALY defender Leonardo Bonucci has encouraged controversial forward Mario Balotelli to put in more effort in order to work his way back into the national side. ‘Super Mario’ was initially not called up for the Azzurri following their dismal World Cup showing, in which they exited in the group stages, with heavy criticism aimed at the talented striker.
The new Liverpool forward, who has scored just twice in 14 appearances since his move from Milan, was then recalled for Italy’s latest Euro 2016 qualifier and friendly, yet pulled out of the squad with a groin and hamstring injury.
Coach Antonio Conte took a swipe at the 24-year-old frontman’s attitude, saying it would be difficult to change his way of thinking as he did not have much time to spend with him in training.
“I’m not so arrogant as to claim that I’m different from the great coaches, but the past tells us that they failed to change Balotelli,” the Italy coach told Rai Sport. It’ll be up to the player, but I don’t have much time and I need certain things.”
Juventus defender Bonucci, who was the stand-in captain of a second-string Italian team that beat Albania 1-0 in their friendly on Tuesday night, then defended the striker for his woeful World Cup display, yet emphasised that a change in attitude would propel the youngster to command a regular first-team berth.
“Nobody pinned the blame on Balotelli or anyone else,” Bonucci said. “It was the fault of the 23 who went to the World Cup and all the mistakes we made during that adventure.
“I have always said that Mario is in control of his destiny. If he is intelligent enough to understand he needs to have the mentality of a workhorse, to be part of a team and fight hard, then he can become important for this group.
“It all depends on him.”
Italy currently sit joint-top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group alongside Croatia, having won three and drawn one of their group encounters thus far. — Kickoff.
Online Reporter