Audio By Carbonatix
Perhaps Mario Balotelli's struggles with Liverpool will have a positive effect on his return to Italy's squad.
That's what Azzurri coach Antonio Conte is hoping for after giving Balotelli a call up for a key European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Sunday.
It's the first time Conte has included Balotelli since taking over from Cesare Prandelli after Italy's first-round elimination from the World Cup.
Conte says "maybe it's even better that Balotelli is arriving during a rough period. I think he'll dedicate himself to the national team."
Since transferring from AC Milan, Balotelli has scored only two goals in 14 appearances for Liverpool — none in the Premier League.
Writing on Facebook, Balotelli says he is "glad to be back on the National Team and proud to represent my country."
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s total export earnings hit US$31.1bn in 2025; trade balance reaches record US$13.6bn
39 minutes -
Don’t hold elections to ransom over isolated issues – Asah-Asante on NPP primaries
50 minutes -
South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery
1 hour -
Stop buying toy guns for your children – Small Arms Commission tell parents
1 hour -
Gbeniyiri performs purification rites, invokes curse on anyone who rekindles violence
2 hours -
Employees, service excellence, and brand building journey of a company
3 hours -
CAF to rule on AFCON final chaos this week
3 hours -
Dr Hannah-Lisa Tetteh joins the 2026 AFRICA 100, league of exceptional influential leaders
3 hours -
An abuse of democracy – Minority alleges systematic misuse of certificate of urgency
3 hours -
Minority cries foul as 33 bills are rushed through Parliament under certificate of urgency in 2025
4 hours -
Mexico president asks South Korea for more BTS concerts
4 hours -
Amazon accidentally sends email confirming layoffs
4 hours -
AGRA president calls for increased support for smallholder farmers
4 hours -
AI will shape the future of food – AGRA President
5 hours -
JoyNews gets results as Mahama Cares settles GH¢210,840 bill for midwife battling brain aneurysm
5 hours