Balotelli impresses Italy coach and squad with attitude

The Liverpool striker had been omitted from national team CT Antonio Conte’s first two Azzurri squads, but was called up for the games against Croatia and Albania.

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi appeared to criticise Balotelli in the wake of the Azzurri’s first-round exit at the 2014 World Cup, and reports yesterday indicated both were briefed ahead of the former Milan player’s recall.

Today though, La Stampa reports that goalkeeper Buffon has taken Balotelli under his wing.

The newspaper reports that Super Mario sat with the goalkeeper during yesterday’s lunch at Coverciano, and in training the forward displayed a new attitude after quietly accepting a round of push-ups as penance for failing to intercept a pass.

The ex-Manchester City attacker has given Italy CT Conte food for thought with his new commitment reports Quotidiano Sportivo.

The Azzurri had been expected to line up with a front two of Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza for the Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia, but Balotelli’s hard work in training and respectful attitude within the squad could yet see him lead the line for his country, according to the newspaper.

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