Italy coach, Roberto Mancini has disclosed that striker, Mario Balotelli needs to have a big season to have any chance of returning to the national team.
According to him, the former Manchester City star must score at least 25 goals this season, press opponents, work with the team and do everything that a 29-year-old should do before he could have a chance to play for the Gli Azzuri.
“I hope Balotelli can see returning to his hometown as an opportunity to totally relaunch his career,” Mancini told Italian state TV Rai.
“He is 29 years old and should be at his peak.
“A player of his quality cannot totally lose everything he showed over the years. It depends on him.
“If Mario scores 25 goals, presses opponents, works with the team and does everything that a 29-year-old should do, then I think he could have a chance for Italy. However, it’s important for him that he has a big season.”
Balotelli, who is serving a four-match ban, recently returned to Serie A with Brescia.