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
-
Wontumi Conviction: 2 star witnesses placed under police protection amid death threats
7 minutes -
Srem-Sai reveals surge in death threats after Wontumi conviction
16 minutes -
GCB, Ecobank, 4 others are top tier banks in Ghana – PwC Banking Survey
23 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
1 hour -
Banks’ sustainable success will be defined less by interest margins – PwC
2 hours -
CJ Baffor-Bonnie was part of ‘grand conspiracy to remove Torkornoo – Afenyo-Markin alleges
2 hours -
The GIPA Act: Resetting Ghana’s investment framework
3 hours -
GIPA secures investor leads at Invest Fest 2026
3 hours -
Ghana’s missing billions: What 16 years of Auditor-General reports show
3 hours -
Police disown viral flyer on AirPods, earphones use while driving
3 hours -
Stop using media to challenge judicial decisions – Thaddeus Sory to lawyers
3 hours -
The next generation expects more than degrees from universities
3 hours -
Ebenezer Dwomoh to stage fourth stand-up comedy special in Kumasi
3 hours -
Central Regional Minister urges traditional leaders to hold public officials accountable Â
3 hours -
Ada Traditional Council suspends four members for defying cancellation of 2026 Asafotufiami durbar
4 hours