Former Italy national team coach Cesare Prandelli has defended his training methods following recent criticism from Leonardo Bonucci, while backing Mario Balotelli to return to the Azzurri setup.
Juventus defender Bonucci recently stated that Italy ‘wasted too much time on tests and analysis’ under Prandelli at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, resulting in a disappointing exit from the group stage but the 57-year-old tactician answered back in stinging fashion.
“He’s proving himself to be one of the best defenders around,” Prandelli told Sky Sport 24.
“He’s getting more and more secure, but he doesn’t have the means or the knowledge to judge the preparation. I went to see Luis Enrique at Roma, and there were lots of computers there too.”
Prandelli, out of the game since leaving Turkish Super League side Galatasaray in 2014, also took time to praise the always under-fire Balotelli by claiming he can make a return to the national team and succeed.
“His skills will be important for Italian football. He gave everything, the great responsibility of the international stage can sometimes limit players. Maybe in a few months he will have matured.
“It is not easy, he is a media personality and we judge everything in a sensational way. I believe that people, if they have character, then difficult times can bring out the best in you.”
