Over half a decade has passed since Balotelli’s last appearance for Italy, during which he earned 36 caps and scored 14 goals. Presently a member of the Turkish team Adana Demirspor, he has had a promising beginning since joining in September, netting three times in five Super Lig outings. The 33-year-old expresses confidence and contends that coach Luciano Spalletti should contemplate his inclusion in the national team.
“If I’m well, I still consider myself the strongest,” he said . “Did [Giacomo] Raspadori and [Gianluca] Scamacca play [against Ukraine]? How many shots did they take combined? Two? I want to recover and play for the national team. I always hope for the call. I met Spalletti and I’ve met him several times. We made some jokes when we met in a friendly with Napoli, but I have no relationship.”
Italy came close to missing out on a place at Euro 2024 as a goalless draw with Ukraine in their last qualifying match saw them edge their opponents to second in the group. Ukraine felt they should have been given a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, which could have resulted in the Azzurri crashing out. Spalletti had few options available when it came to an out-and-out striker to choose for his starting XI, with Raspadori, Scamacca and Moise Kean the only candidates to take on the role.
It will likely take something special for Balotelli to convince Spalletti to give him a call-up to the squad ahead of Euro 2024. The striker has had a career full of ups and downs, having had spells at AC Milan, Inter, Manchester City, Liverpool and Marseille, among many other clubs
