Luigi Di Biagio insists he watched Mario Balotelli closely enough not to call him up for Italy’s friendlies last month.
Balotelli was nowhere to be seen in Di Biagio’s Italy squad for their friendlies against Argentina and England, and the caretaker CT reiterated the striker’s prolific form for Nice was not enough.
“I know all of Mario’s goals, having watched 15 games in their entirety with him on the pitch this season,” he told Premium Sport.
Luigi Di Biagio insists he watched Mario Balotelli closely enough not to call him up for Italy’s friendlies last month.
Balotelli was nowhere to be seen in Di Biagio’s Italy squad for their friendlies against Argentina and England, and the caretaker CT reiterated the striker’s prolific form for Nice was not enough.
“I know all of Mario’s goals, having watched 15 games in their entirety with him on the pitch this season,” he told Premium Sport.
“He’s playing well, but I made 360-degree assessments. A player must be assessed for their performances and what they do on the pitch.
“Knowing him well enough, I preferred to give others priority.”