Sacchi roasts ‘dumb’ Mario

– Legendary Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi on Saturday slammed Mario Balotelli (above) and the Azzurri for lacking “intelligence” as Italy struggled to a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Nations League opener.

“Football is a collective sport and intelligence matters more than the feet,” Sacchi, who led Italy to the runners-up spot at the 1994 World Cup, told the Italian station Radio Deejay.

“So first I would choose players who have intelligence.

“I would say you play as a team. You have to have clear ideas.”

Balotelli was heavily criticised for his performance in his first competitive game for Italy since the 2014 World Cup.

“When Balotelli wanders around by himself and doesn’t even attempt to stick to the plan, what are you supposed to say to him?” said Sacchi.

The 28-year-old limped off after an hour before Chelsea midfielder Jorginho rescued a point in Bologna.

Balotelli is now in doubt for Italy’s second game against Portugal in Lisbon tonight. –

Milan