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Italy boss Ventura: Balotelli can 'have hope' of Azzurri return

Reuters

With Italy manager Giampiero Ventura set to name his squad Saturday for a forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein and a friendly versus Germany, the gaffer says in-form Mario Balotelli can "have hope" for a national team return.

Ventura does qualify that statement, saying that despite his stellar run with Nice, Balotelli's history of misconduct off the pitch isn't helping his case.

Balotelli has enjoyed an impressive start to his spell in France's top flight with six goals in five matches for table-topper Nice, though Ventura doesn't appear set to offer the enigmatic striker his first Italy cap since November 2014.

"If we're talking about hope, then I also have hope that I will win the lottery," Ventura told La Stampa, courtesy of ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell.

"Balotelli needs to ask himself why everybody has ever questioned him for non-footballing reasons."

No stranger to controversy, Balotelli's career has been marred by disciplinary issues off the pitch, including an incident where the 26-year-old caused a fire lighting fireworks in the bathroom of his home whilst with Manchester City.

After a volatile spell with Liverpool, Balotelli was deemed surplus to requirements, with Nice throwing the robust striker a lifeline. He's answered the call, leading Nice to the top of the Ligue 1 table. That return to form, paired with a recent foray in keeping his nose clean, has prompted talk of a return to the Italy squad.

With former Southampton forward Graziano Pelle banished for failing to shake Ventura's hand after being taken off in a 1-1 draw with Spain, if Balotelli is going to be handed a recall, now would be the time.

Ventura is likely to select Andrea Belotti, Eder, Ciro Immobile, and Lorenzo Insigne to the squad as attackers, and whether he includes Balotelli is up to him, though if his quotes are any indication, there isn't much reason for hope.

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