Italy announce training camp squad list: Balotelli returns after 3 year exile

Italy have announced a list of 35 players to gather together & train for the national team.

Mario Balotelli, having last played for the Azzurri in September 2018 during the Nations League, will be given a chance to stake a claim to be in the Italian national team in the next international break. 

Mancini called up 35 players to gather together on January 26 and 27, with the opportunity to impress and make the Italy squad for when they play their crucial World Cup playoff against North Macedonia in March.

Where is Balotelli now?

Balotelli left Monza at the end of last season to join Turkish club Adana Demirspor, where he has scored nine goals from 21 games, including a goal in their latest Turkish Super Lig match on Saturday.

The 31-year-old has made 36 international appearances, with 14 goals to his name. Of the current Italy players who are available, only Ciro Immobile has scored more.

After three and a half years away from the Italian national team, Balotelli has a great chance to convince Mancini that he's capable of playing a part in the Azzurri's road to the World Cup in Qatar.