Mario Balotelli, 31, begs Italy for recall after talks with Mancini and takes dig at Jorginho’s horror penalty miss

MARIO BALOTELLI has begged Italy to hand him a national recall - insisting: I can rescue your World Cup dreams.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has won 36 caps, but last played for the Azzurri in 2018.

Italy beat England in the Euro 2020 final in July. However they have failed to qualify directly for Qatar, and face a play-off next March.

Balotelli has recently revived his career with Turkish club Adana Demirspor, scoring five goals in 13 games for the Super Lig club.

The 31-year-old has now urged Italy coach Roberto Mancini, his boss at City, to call him up.

Balotelli told : "I feel good, and ready to return to the national team. It would be a dream for me.

"If I knew that I would be called up for next March, I would walk all the way from Turkey.

"I have always had an excellent relationship with Roberto Mancini. He just has to tell me what he wants from me if I am to return to the Italy side.

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