Italy's Ventura confirms Balotelli talks ahead of March qualifer

Mario Balotelli's international exile may soon come to an end.

Italy manager Giampiero Ventura confirmed Monday he will speak with the in-form Nice striker about potential route back into the Azzurri setup.

Though Ventura won't guarantee Balotelli a future call-up, the former Torino coach at least granted the embattled 26-year-old the opportunity to make his case.

"I will talk with Balotelli before the next call-ups," Ventura said, according to the Associated Press. "His technical abilities are not up for discussion, but as my predecessors have also said, there are other things concerning him that need to be evaluated."

Balotelli has scored 10 goals in 13 appearances since joining Nice from Liverpool in August. The move stunned onlookers, who considered it a step down for a player with international credentials.

But he hasn't represented his country at any level since the 2014 World Cup, a result of poor campaigns with Liverpool and on loan at AC Milan.

He has, however, endeared himself to the locals of Nice. He scored his third brace for the Cote d'Azur outfit in Sunday's 2-1 win over Dijon, a victory that ensured Nice would remain atop the Ligue 1 table during the Christmas break.

Balotelli's performances finally turned Ventura's head, and they are now scheduled to meet prior to Italy's next World Cup qualifier against Albania on March 24.

"No one doubts that Mario is a talented player and I have nothing against him. But for every player, not just Balotelli, what counts is the ability to be part of a group, to make sacrifices and share an understanding," said the 68-year-old.

"There are those who are used to doing so and others who aren't. After the conversation I will have with him, he will have to ask questions of himself, and above all give himself answers."