Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes that playing in England has changed his compatriot Mario Balotelli and has made him more mature.
Marchisio was speaking on Friday following Italy’s 2-0 victory over Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wroc?aw in a friendly international in which Balotelli was involved in both the goals.
The Manchester City striker scored the first on the half-hour mark and was at the heart of the second 15 minutes into the second period, leading Marchisio to enthuse on the 21-year-old’s development since moving to the Premier League from Serie A giants Inter Milan in the summer of 2010.
“Mario was a little anxious beforehand, as he always sits next to me at dinner,” said the 25-year-old after the game. “His chair was moved and he got paranoid, but I reassured him he’d score anyway and it didn’t bring bad luck. He’s very superstitious!
“I can see Mario is more mature and has changed with his recent excellent form for Manchester City. He is playing regularly and scoring in the Premier League, so it has really helped him.”
Reflecting on the Azzurri’s performance against Poland, Marchisio stated: “It is an important victory as none of the big teams have won here recently.
“We were a bit too deep in the first half, but changed the system to 4-3-3 after the break and immediately did better.
“We ought to be more clinical, but with two goals and a clean sheet thanks to Gigi Buffon saving the penalty, it is a good night.”
Italy are back in action on Tuesday when they play host to Uruguay at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in another friendly fixture.
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This article was originally posted by Subhankar Mondal
