Antonio Conte says Mario Balotelli has a lot of work to
do to be considered for Italy selection at Euro 2016
next summer
Italy coach Antonio Conte has dampened Mario Balotelli's hopes
of playing in Euro 2016 by suggesting the AC Milan striker may
have to watch the tournament on television.
Balotelli has not played for his country since the 2014 World
Cup in Brazil, when Italy crashed out in the group stages after
losing 1-0 to Costa Rica and Uruguay.
But after Italy were drawn alongside Belgium, Ireland and
Sweden for the tournament, Balotelli posted a message on his
Instagram page saying he "can't wait" for Euro 2016 to begin.
"He can't wait for what? To watch us on TV or to play in the
Euros?" Conte said.
"It's up to him, just as all the others, to prove himself."
Balotelli, 25, has played just four times for Milan this season
and has only scored one goal, with a groin injury having kept the
on-loan Liverpool striker out of action since September,
although he has returned to training.
Conte added: "He has to prove a lot. Really a lot. I have not
closed the door on anyone.
"There are five months to the tournament and things could
change. However, things have to change in a clear and
substantial manner."
Conte has named Balotelli in only one international squad since
becoming Italy coach in 2014.
Balotelli, who scored twice in Italy's 2-1 semi-final win against
Germany at Euro 2012, pulled out due to injury.
Conte said: "The players who took us to Euro 2016 qualification
have the advantage and someone really has to impress to break
into that group."
do to be considered for Italy selection at Euro 2016
next summer
Italy coach Antonio Conte has dampened Mario Balotelli's hopes
of playing in Euro 2016 by suggesting the AC Milan striker may
have to watch the tournament on television.
Balotelli has not played for his country since the 2014 World
Cup in Brazil, when Italy crashed out in the group stages after
losing 1-0 to Costa Rica and Uruguay.
But after Italy were drawn alongside Belgium, Ireland and
Sweden for the tournament, Balotelli posted a message on his
Instagram page saying he "can't wait" for Euro 2016 to begin.
"He can't wait for what? To watch us on TV or to play in the
Euros?" Conte said.
"It's up to him, just as all the others, to prove himself."
Balotelli, 25, has played just four times for Milan this season
and has only scored one goal, with a groin injury having kept the
on-loan Liverpool striker out of action since September,
although he has returned to training.
Conte added: "He has to prove a lot. Really a lot. I have not
closed the door on anyone.
"There are five months to the tournament and things could
change. However, things have to change in a clear and
substantial manner."
Conte has named Balotelli in only one international squad since
becoming Italy coach in 2014.
Balotelli, who scored twice in Italy's 2-1 semi-final win against
Germany at Euro 2012, pulled out due to injury.
Conte said: "The players who took us to Euro 2016 qualification
have the advantage and someone really has to impress to break
into that group."
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