No one expected that.
Italy national team coach Roberto Mancini will invite Mario Balotelli to the squad for the first time in three years, journalist Fabrizio Romano first reported.
The 31-year-old problematic striker is currently playing for Adana Demirspur in Turkey and so far this season he has shown wonderful ability as he has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 19 league appearances.
Balotelli is surprising in his ability of course both in light of his problematic history and also after failing in his last two teams - Brescia and Monza in Italy.
The former Inter player's last appearance in Italy came in September 2018, when Italy parted ways 1-1 with Poland in the League of Nations.
His last goal was scored in May 2018, in a 1: 2 victory over Saudi Arabia in a friendly match.
Balotelli and Mancini have a long history, having worked together at Inter and Manchester City.
Mario Balotelli is back and will be called up by Roberto Mancini for Italian national team next games 🔙🇮🇹 #Balotelli
Exclusive news reported yesterday will be official in the next few hours.
Announcement in place.
Balotelli already had a direct contact with Mancini himself.
pic.twitter.com/jFukUHXWLC
- Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2022 Wrong?
Fixed!
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