Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will reportedly be left out of Italy national team boss Antonio Conte’s first Azzurri squad for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers.
The 24-year-old, who just recently completed his move to the Reds after an inconsistent run at AC Milan, has been heavily criticised for his immature behaviour and poor performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and it seems the former Juventus tactician isn’t willing to take a risk on including him in his team.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Conte will exclude the controversial star from his first Italy line up and will instead be ready to call up Rossoneri striker Giampaolo Pazzini along with Sunderland winger Emanuele Giaccherini.
Despite his unimpressive run at the World Cup, Balotelli did manage to score a goal for his country in their 2-1 group stage win over England.
The Azzurri will begin this season’s first international break by playing the Netherlands in a friendly on September 4, which will then be followed by their Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway on September 9.
