Conte: Balotelli has much to prove if he's to play for Italy at Euro 2016

Forward Mario Balotelli must prove himself if he wants a place on the national team for Euro 2016, Italy coach Antonio Conte says.

Balotelli hasn't played for Italy since the 2014 World Cup. Conte selected him once last year, but he left the team with an injury.

Conte has since challenged the 25-year-old to show that he deserves another shot. But after Balotelli posted that he "can't wait" to face Belgium, Sweden, and Ireland in the Euro, Conte didn't react kindly.

"(He) can't wait for what ... to play in the European championship or to watch on television?" Conte told reporters Sunday.

A groin injury, which required surgery, has limited Balotelli to just four Serie A appearances since re-joining AC Milan on loan in August. He is near a return, however, and will have to make the most of the next few months to convince Conte he's worthy of a call-up.

"It’s up to him to show he can be included, just as it is with the others," said Conte. "But he has got so, so much to prove.

"I haven’t drawn any conclusions so far. I will watch everyone carefully, but I also know who has got us this far, and I know the players. Anyone who wants to come in has got to show me an awful lot."