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Balotelli recalled for Italy soccer team

Striker Mario Balotelli has been recalled to the Azzurri for the first time in four years as the Italians seek to rebuild after failing to make the World Cup.

Joshua Morris of the Bulldogs is injured during Round 11.
Canterbury's 22-16 loss to Cronulla has been made worse with an injury to Josh Morris. (AAP)

New Italy coach Roberto Mancini has summoned five uncapped players and recalled striker Mario Balotelli for three friendlies, the domestic federation (FIGC) said late Saturday.

Balotelli, 27, last appeared with the Azzurri at the 2014 World Cup, where Italy exited at the group phase. He scored 13 goals from 33 games.

Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea joins up at the federal Coverciano headquarters outside Florence for the first time. Atalanta's Mattia Caldara, Torino's Daniele Baselli and Rolando Mandragora of Crotone have taken part in previous camps.

Sassuolo forward Domencio Berardi had been called up for Euro 2016 qualifiers by then coach Antonio Conte but left the Azzurri squad with injury.

The group of 30 footballers are to meet in Coverciano Wednesday.

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Mancini was appointed last week as Italy begin recovery after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.

His debut is due on May 28 against Saudi Arabia in St Gall, Switzerland. Italy then meet France in Nice on June 1 and three days later welcome the Netherlands in Turin.


1 min read

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Source: AAP



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