On 1 April, Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the penalty shootout of the World Cup European Qualifiers final, missing the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After Italy missed the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, former Italian international Balotelli shared photos of himself representing the Italian national team on social media and encouraged the Italian national team: "Anyway, I am always proud to be Italian."
Balotelli once represented Italy in the 2014 Brazil World Cup, making 3 appearances and scoring 1 goal.