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
-
Manhyia Palace hosts royals, dignitaries from Ghana and beyond at special Awukudee
5 mins -
Celestine Donkor speaks on report of undergoing weight loss surgery
28 mins -
Bright Simons: The SML defence “falls flat”
35 mins -
We need long term macroeconomic stability to build a strong and vibrant economy – Deloitte Boss
36 mins -
Adomaa Adjeman to make theatre debut as Aku Sika in Prof Martin Owusu’s epic
38 mins -
U.S. government supports Ghanaian partners to protect Intellectual Property
43 mins -
Eric Johnson
49 mins -
Tanzania denies abuse reports as World Bank halts funds
57 mins -
2024 polls: The person I defeated twice can’t succeed me – Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
NBA: Miami Heat beat Boston Celtics to even series
1 hour -
Two sentenced for stealing over 1,000 bags of rice
1 hour -
Zulu monarchy in row over king’s praise singer
1 hour -
Xavi to remain as Barcelona coach until at least June 2025
1 hour -
2Pac’s estate threatens to sue Drake over use of late rapper’s AI-generated voice
1 hour -
Yaw Nsarkoh: The President’s letter on the KPMG (SML) Report
1 hour