Mancini defends under-fire Balotelli
LISBON: Roberto Mancini shrugged off criticism of under- fire striker Mario Balotelli and his Italy team ahead of Monday’s Nations League game against Portugal in Lisbon. The Azzurri rescued a point in their Group 3 opener against Poland on Friday in Bologna and next play the European champions — without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo — at Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz. Nice striker Balotelli failed to fire in Friday’s game, which was his first competitive outing for Italy since the 2014 World Cup, and looks set to miss Monday’s game with a muscu lar problem. “Balotelli may have not played well, but not being able to give 100 percent in a game happens to everyone,” said Mancini.
“This was the first competitive match of the season, there will be many more.
“We’ll find the right formula for this Italy side, we just need a little patience, but the Italy we want to see doesn’t exist yet. We hope to form it soon.”
Mancini conf i rmed that Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa would start after the 20year- old proved pivotal when he came on last Friday, along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“Everyone can view things the way they want, but I am not particularly worried by criticism,” continued Mancini, who is looking for his first competitive win since taking over last May after Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
“I am aware that there are errors in a game, but also what we can do about them and how to work on the good elements too. “There’s no need to worry.” Balotelli’s place could be taken by either Andrea Belotti or Ciro Immobile, with the latter attending Sunday’s press conference in Lisbon with Mancini.
“I don’t know who will play tomorrow, I’l l think it over tonight,” said Mancini.
“We will change a few players, as there have only been a few days and a journey between matches, so we’re not in peak condition.
“I am not as negative as many of you who wrote about the Poland game.” — AFP