Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has revealed that Azzurri team-mate Mario Balotelli is a good person and player despite reports that highlight some of his negative antics.
Both men have been named in Cesare Prandelli’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad and are expected to be attending the tournament with their country, and the 30-year-old insists that the AC Milan striker isn’t the type of person the media makes him out to be.
De Rossi spoke to CNN about Balotelli’s positive qualities as a player and who he thinks Italy could meet in the World Cup semi-finals, while also commenting on which players he hopes to face in the competition.
“The World Cup will be a matter between the more popular teams? Yes, I think so,” said the Roma man.
“I don’t think we will meet anyone in the semi-finals besides the popular teams like Brazil, Spain, Germany or Argentina.
“Balotelli? You must know him in order to speak about him, and I know him. He’s very good, I’ve known many selfish and egotistical footballers, but he’s good-natured.
“The best footballers I’ve played against? Xavi and Andres Iniesta are some of the best I’ve met in my career.
“I’m hoping to face Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo because I’ve never played either of them in a match as important as a World Cup match.”
