Mario Balotelli set for incredible Italy recall for England friendly at Wembley — after four-year absence
Under-21s coach Luigi Di Biagio has been put in temporary charge of the Azzurri and has asked Gianluigi Buffon to temporarily stay on
MARIO BALOTELLI is set for a sensational recall to the national side, while Gianluigi Buffon will stay on to help ease the transition, according to reports in Italy.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker was completely overlooked by both Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Ventura — and has not played for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup.
But, with Italy having failed to make it to Russia this summer, Ventura was shown the door and major changes are expected.
Under-21s boss Luigi Di Biagio has been places in temporary charge and report he will pick Balotelli, 27, for his first match.
Since joining Nice in 2016, the Italian striker has produced some of his best form — and a move to Juventus in the summer has even been mooted.
There have been several calls for Balotelli to be selected, but he has not been recalled since being blamed for Italy's debacle at the 2014 World Cup.
Buffon, meanwhile, had announced his retirement from international duty following the failure to qualify for Russia, but Di Biagio wants him to stay on to help ease the transition.
The legendary goalkeeper bid tearful farewell to the Azzurri following the play-off defeat to Sweden which meant he will have the summer off, but, by staying, he would receive a much more fitting send-off.
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With so much uncertainty surrounding the country's future — it is still unclear he will be the permanent manager — he has been asked to briefly extend his international career.
Other than in between the sticks, Di Biagio is expected to name a new-look Italy starting line-up at Wembley.
Mario Balotelli's Italy highs and lows
HIGHS
August 10, 2010
MAKES debut during 1-0 defeat at Ivory Coast.
November 11, 2011
FIRST international goal in 2-0 win over Poland — also bagging an assist.
June 10, 2012
BECOMES first black player to represent Italy at a major tournament.
June 28, 2012
SCORES both goals in 2-1 Euro 2012 semi-final victory over Germany.
July 2, 2012
NAMED in Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament, after finishing as joint-top scorer.
LOWS
June 14, 2012
SUBJECTED to racial abuse by Croatia fans, and Croatia FA are later fined £70,000.
June 18, 2012
LEONARDO BONUCCI prevents Balotelli from celebrating goal against Ireland for fears he would say something which would have got him in trouble.
July 1, 2012
STARTS Euro 2012 final, but Italy are crushed 4-0 by Spain.
June 7, 2013
SENT OFF for two bookings inside three minutes during 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Czech Republic.
June 24, 2014
BLAMED for Italy's elimination in World Cup group stage, following two bewlow-par performances from Balotelli.
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The Azzurri boast a number of impressive young players, such as defenders Mattia Caldara and Daniele Rugani, midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini and winger Federico Chiesa, which could form the core of future sides.
Di Biagio managed many of them at Under-21s level.
But the big news ahead of the first match since the country's lowest footballing moment for a generation would be the return of Balotelli.
Incidentally, his last international goal was the winner against England at the 2014 World Cup.