Balotelli back in the Azzurri squad for the first time since the World Cup.
Italy manager Antonio Conte has recalled striker Mario Balotelli to his squad for the first time since the World Cup, report the Daily Star, despite the fact that the former Manchester City man has been in dreadful form for the Reds so far this season as Brendan Rodgers’ side have slumped into the bottom half of the table.
SEE MORE:
Shocking photos of drunk footballers
Arsenal player ratings Swansea
Most valuable Champions League XI
Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by Premier League leaders Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime, a result that consigned them to their third defeat in a week and continued Balotelli’s run of Premier League matches without scoring a goal, stretching back to his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Conte had not picked Balotelli in any of his Italy squads since taking over from Cesare Prandelli following the Azzurri’s dreadful World Cup, with Balotelli made something of a scapegoat in the Italian press, but the former Juventus manager has seemingly mellowed his position and recalled the striker for his side’s forthcoming fixtures.