The agent of Mario Balotelli, Mino Raiola, has hit back at Arrigo Sacchi after the former Italian national team coach criticised his client’s performance in the Azzurri’s Nations League opener against Poland.
The 72-year-old had suggested that the Nice striker did not hold the footballing intelligence to lead the Italian attack, despite his obvious technical ability, and Raiola responded in-kind.
“Intelligence is not only used in football, but also in life,” Raiola told Corriere della Sera.
“With his words, he has clearly shown that he has neither intelligence nor class.
“I do not understand why they are listening to someone who ultimately lives on credit for having led such a strong team, AC Milan, which won by itself.”
Raiola continued to dismiss Sacchi’s achievements, saying that the credit for Milan’s success during his tenure should lie elsewhere.
“Sacchi only has [former Milan president Silvio] Berlusconi to thank,” he added. “Just think about the final he lost with the national team because that team had to win the World Cup and he lost it.
“After Milan, he did not win anywhere and has no right to give lessons.
“It seems to me that what he said about Mario confirms what they have been saying about him for some time. He is finished. And it just makes me sorry for him.”
