Published 17:04 IST, November 12th 2019

Mario Balotelli not in Italy manager Roberto Mancini's present plans

Italy football coach Roberto Mancini has stated that Mario Balotelli will have to earn a spot in the national squad, rather than on the pretext of racism.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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Italy football team's national coach Roberto Mancini said on Monday that he would t name Mario Balotelli in national squ simply to make a statement against racism. Balotelli would rar have to earn his place in team through his performances.

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Balotelli has t been called up by Mancini in more than a year. However, Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina reportedly said that naming him in squ would send a strong mess after Brescia forward was racially abused in previous Serie A clash. When he calls up Mario Balotelli, it will be because he deserves it, t because of colour of his skin, Mancini said in a press conference before Azzurris play ir final Euro 2020 qualifiers.

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Balotelli is yet to settle in a Serie A team

Balotelli scored eight goals in 15 appearances for Marseille last season, having impressed in an early stint with its Ligue 1 rivals Nice. But he h to seal a transfer to Brescia due to club’s financial conditions. Balotelli was included in first two matches of Mancini being in-charge. However, he has t been called up since. He was again omitted from upcoming European qualifier matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia.

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Mancini said that football and sport should unite, t destroy society. He expressed shock at fact that being in 2020, prejudice with skin colour still exists. He also said that he wishes Balotelli thing but well and that he is still young eugh to achieve a lot. But if he should be recalled, it will be because he is doing well and can help national team. On President’s comment, he said that one can think as president said, but one needs to understand that if Balotelli gets ar chance, it will be because he deserves it from a technical point of view. 

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12:25 IST, November 12th 2019