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Coach Mancini’s mother: ‘Italy made a mistake in leaving Balotelli’

Marianna Puolo, mother of coach Roberto Mancini, believes that her son made a mistake by not using Mario Balotelli in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

“If I had the right, I would call Balotelli and give him a chance. Because Balotelli is very healthy and nobody can stop him in front of goal,” said Marianna Puolo in an interview. Italian Football after fail 0-1 Italy against North Macedonia in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs, on the evening of 24 March.





Mancini coached Balotelli at club and national level but did not select a player for the match against North Macedonia.  Photo: EFE

Mancini coached Balotelli at club and national level but did not select a player for the match against North Macedonia. Photo: EFE

balotelli trained Roberto Mancini recalled the team in January, but was dropped when closing the roster with North Macedonia. In contrast, Mancini relied on Joao Pedro, who was recruited for the first time. “It’s sad to have to name a player, whether it’s Balotelli, Calabria or Bernardeschi, but that’s my choice. Joao Pedro can play many roles up front,” said Mancini when announcing the March 17 squad.

The strikers selected by coach Mancini, including Pedro, were silent in the face of North Macedonia, a team ranked 67th in FIFA. In a shock defeat in Palermo, Coach Mancini’s protege shot 32 times, but only four of the ball was on target and 19 were blocked. Italy also missed 16 corners and 38 crosses.

Balotelli is in fine form for Turkey’s Adana Demirspor, with 12 goals since the start of the season. Brother express wishes help Italy in difficult times. The 31-year-old striker has not played for Italy since September 2018, when he played 62 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Poland in the UEFA Nations League. Balotelli has been with Italy since 2010, playing 36 games and scoring 14 goals. His biggest mark in shirt color was the two goals against Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

“Italy has made too many mistakes,” added Marianna. “Jorginho’s mistakes before that cost us. I don’t want to criticize him because he obviously didn’t want to make that mistake. But when you miss three penalties… it’s bittersweet. North Macedonia only had one shot and maybe Donnarumma did it to save it. But not now. there’s no point in saying anything.”

Italy missed a second successive World Cup, despite being European champions. In 2018, they lost 0-1 to Sweden in the play-offs. The pressure is on coach Mancini and the Italian media predict he will do it resignation next week, even though the contract is until 2026.

Vy Anh (based on Football-Italy)

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