DBasia.news – Italy national team coach, Roberto Mancini, firmly stated that he did not call Mario Balotelli into the national team to deliver a message against racism, but because of his good performance on the field.
Last week, Balotelli, who is now defending Brescia, received discrimination from Verona fans. The player went on strike until he finally returned and scored.
President of FIGC (Italian Football Federation) Gabriele Gravina sees that the momentum can be utilized by Mancini to give out a message of tolerance in Italy.
“Football and sports must unite, not destroy each other. In 2020, we are still talking about skin color,” Mancini said, Monday (11/11).
“He (Balotelli) will be summoned, if he really deserves the opportunity,” stated the former Manchester City manager.
“You can think as the president said. But you need to understand that if Balotelli gets another chance, it is because he deserves to be called from a technical point of view,” he added.
Previously, Balotelli was briefly called up to the Italian national team of the Mancini era in a Nations League match. Noted, the calling became the first for Balo since the 2014 World Cup!
Mancini counted as contributing to helping Balotelli’s early career at Inter Milan. He also coached the player in Man City.
Nearby, Italy will face Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saturday (11/16) and
Armenia, Tuesday (11/19) AM. As for the Azzurri, they are certain to qualify
for the finals of Euro 2020 since the international break in October.