Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mario Balotelli's Italy call-up will be on merit, not skin colour, says coach Roberto Mancini
5 years, 1 month ago

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mario Balotelli's Italy call-up will be on merit, not skin colour, says coach Roberto Mancini

Firstpost  

“When I call Mario Balotelli it will be because he deserves it, not because of the colour of his skin,” Mancini told a press conference before the Azzurri’s final Euro 2020 qualifiers. Italy coach Roberto Mancini said on Monday he would not name Mario Balotelli in a national squad simply to make a statement against racism. Remember, I got Mario to play when he was a boy, so I know him really well.” Balotelli was the victim of racist abuse by Verona fans while playing for Brescia last weekend, and Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina had suggested calling up the striker would send “an extraordinary message”. Balotelli’s Brescia teammate Sandro Tonali meanwhile was called up on Monday in place of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.

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History of this topic

Euro 2024: Is Gianluca Mancini, Italy’s centre-back related to former coach Roberto Mancini
6 months, 1 week ago

Euro 2024: Is Gianluca Mancini, Italy’s centre-back related to former coach Roberto Mancini

The Hindu  

Gianluca Mancini was named in the starting lineup of Italy in its Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash against Switzerland which is to be played in the Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday. FOLLOW | LIVE: SWITZERLAND VS ITALY EURO 2024 ROUND OF 16 SCORE AND UPDATES Italy finished second in its Group B thanks to a stoppage time goal by Mattia Zaccagni against …

Italy Want to 'Do Well' in Euro Qualifier for Late Gianluca Vialli: Roberto Mancini
1 year, 9 months ago

Italy Want to 'Do Well' in Euro Qualifier for Late Gianluca Vialli: Roberto Mancini

News 18  

European champions Italy want to “do well” against England in their first Euro 2024 qualifier as a tribute to late former striker Gianluca Vialli, coach Roberto Mancini said Monday. The former Juventus, Chelsea and Italy striker played a significant role in Italy’s European Championship title-winning campaign in 2021, assisting Mancini, despite having been diagnosed in 2017. The encounter with England …

Mario Balotelli named in Italy squad for first time since 2018
2 years, 11 months ago

Mario Balotelli named in Italy squad for first time since 2018

The Hindu  

Mario Balotelli was named in the Italy squad for the first time since 2018 on Monday, as the Adana Demirspor striker joined seven uncapped players in Roberto Mancini's 35-man training camp selection. Balotelli, who worked under Azzurri coach Mancini earlier in his career at Inter Milan and Manchester City, has not featured for the national team since September 2018. But …

Mario Balotelli named in Italy squad for first time since 2018
2 years, 11 months ago

Mario Balotelli named in Italy squad for first time since 2018

Hindustan Times  

Mario Balotelli was named in the Italy squad for the first time since 2018 on Monday, as the Adana Demirspor striker joined seven uncapped players in Roberto Mancini's 35-man training camp selection. Mario Balotelli was named in the Italy squad for the first time since 2018 Balotelli, who worked under Azzurri coach Mancini earlier in his career at Inter Milan …

Mancini targets another trophy in 'important' Nations League
3 years, 3 months ago

Mancini targets another trophy in 'important' Nations League

The Hindu  

Having tasted glory in Euro 2020, Italy coach Roberto Mancini has his eye on another trophy when the Azzurri take on Spain in their Nations League semifinal at the San Siro stadium on Wednesday. Mancini has led Italy on a world record 37-match unbeaten run, which included the triumphant Euro campaign in June and July culminating in victory on penalties …

Balotelli decline has disappointed us all, says Italy coach Mancini
3 years, 4 months ago

Balotelli decline has disappointed us all, says Italy coach Mancini

The Hindu  

Italy coach Roberto Mancini is disappointed how maverick forward Mario Balotelli's career has tailed off over the past five years. Balotelli broke into the Inter Milan first team under Mancini and went on to win three Serie A titles with the club between 2008 and 2010 before following his coach to English Premier League side Manchester City. He again played …

Euro 2020: Austria posed bigger threat than potential quarterfinal opponents, says Mancini
3 years, 6 months ago

Euro 2020: Austria posed bigger threat than potential quarterfinal opponents, says Mancini

The Hindu  

After squeezing past Austria in extra-time to reach the Euro 2020 quarterfinals, Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he had expected Saturday's clash to be more challenging than his side's next tie against either Belgium or Portugal. The game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes before goals from substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina were enough to send the Italians through, although …

Euro 2020: Mancini targets semis, urges Italy to entertain in opener
3 years, 7 months ago

Euro 2020: Mancini targets semis, urges Italy to entertain in opener

The Hindu  

Italy coach Roberto Mancini hopes his players can put on a show in the opening game of Euro 2020 against Turkey. We have to be free and try to have fun, that should be the aim.” Mancini has overseen a transformation of the national team since its humiliating failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. RELATED| Italy captain Giorgio …

Euro 2020: Italy manager Roberto Mancini names 28-man provisional squad; Moise Kean misses out
3 years, 7 months ago

Euro 2020: Italy manager Roberto Mancini names 28-man provisional squad; Moise Kean misses out

Firstpost  

Paris Saint-Germain striker Moise Kean was the biggest name to be dropped by Mancini, who kept Kean’s PSG teammate Marco Verratti and Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi despite the pair being injured. Rome: Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic. Compared …

Euro 2020: Roberto Mancini's Italy thump neighbours San Marino in warm-up
3 years, 7 months ago

Euro 2020: Roberto Mancini's Italy thump neighbours San Marino in warm-up

Firstpost  

Roberto Mancini’s revived side is one of the dark horses for this summer’s delayed European Championship. Italy began their Euro 2020 preparations in simple style on Friday as a second-string team hammered minnows San Marino 7-0. Roberto Mancini’s revived side are one of the dark horses for this summer’s delayed European Championship and had a predictably easy time against their …

Mario Balotelli is training with a semi-pro team in Italy's FOURTH division after leaving Brescia
4 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli is training with a semi-pro team in Italy's FOURTH division after leaving Brescia

Daily Mail  

Former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is training with a semi-professional team in the FOURTH tier of Italian football after being released by Brescia at the end of last season. Now 30, Balotelli is a free agent and looking for a new club, and to keep his fitness levels up has been spending time at Franciacorta, a team …

Italy boss Mancini sad to see Balotelli as a free agent and still 'loves' his former striker
4 years, 2 months ago

Italy boss Mancini sad to see Balotelli as a free agent and still 'loves' his former striker

Daily Mail  

Roberto Mancini has this week expressed his sadness to see his former striker Mario Balotelli without a club and seemingly unwanted after being released by Brescia. Roberto Mancini is saddened to see the struggles of Mario Balotelli, who is now a free agent Mancini managed Balotelli at both Man City and Inter Milan, and has a close bond 'I am …

Balotelli denies missing training: Didn't think I was invisible
4 years, 7 months ago

Balotelli denies missing training: Didn't think I was invisible

The Hindu  

Mario Balotelli has responded to reports he failed to attend training on Sunday, insisting he is not "invisible to the cameras" that were present at the session. Balotelli has endured a difficult season with hometown club Brescia, the 29-year-old managing just five goals in 19 Serie A appearances this term. Brescia president Massimo Cellino said on Thursday that he expects …

Serie A: Verona fan gets five-year EU stadium ban over racial abuse of Brescia's Mario Balotelli
5 years ago

Serie A: Verona fan gets five-year EU stadium ban over racial abuse of Brescia's Mario Balotelli

Firstpost  

A 38-year-old Italian man has been handed a five-year stadium ban after being found guilty of directing racial abuse at Italian striker Mario Balotelli in November, the ANSA news agency said. A 38-year-old Italian man has been handed a five-year stadium ban after being found guilty of directing racial abuse at Italian striker Mario Balotelli in November, the ANSA news …

Mario Balotelli racism: Hellas Verona fan gets five-year ban
5 years ago

Mario Balotelli racism: Hellas Verona fan gets five-year ban

The Hindu  

Italian police has handed a five-year ban from sports events to a supporter who racially abused Mario Balotelli in Brescia's match at Hellas Verona. Widespread reports in Italy said the police commissioner of Verona, Ivana Petricca, imposed the ban after an investigation into the events of November 3, when Balotelli reported hearing monkey chants. READ | Serie A: Lazio fined …

‘Shame on you': Balotelli slams Lazio fans for racist abuse
5 years ago

‘Shame on you': Balotelli slams Lazio fans for racist abuse

Associated Press  

BRESCIA, Italy — Mario Balotelli slammed Lazio soccer fans after the Italian forward was once again the target of racist chants in Brescia’s 2-1 home defeat on Sunday. Brescia was leading 1-0 at the time following a goal scored by Balotelli, who had also been subjected to racial abuse earlier in the match. Balotelli posted a video of his goal …

Serie A: Mario Balotelli subjected to racist abuse again
5 years ago

Serie A: Mario Balotelli subjected to racist abuse again

The Hindu  

There was yet another incident of racism in Serie A on Sunday as Mario Balotelli was once again the target of racist chants in Brescia’s 2-1 defeat at home to Lazio. Brescia was leading 1-0 at the time following a goal scored by Balotelli, who had also been subjected to racial abuse earlier in the match. Balotelli posted a video …

Euro 2020 draw: Roberto Mancini wary of Italy's opponents
5 years, 1 month ago

Euro 2020 draw: Roberto Mancini wary of Italy's opponents

The Hindu  

Roberto Mancini has warned Italy not to underestimate the less glamorous teams joining them in Group A at Euro 2020. But in 2016 semifinalist Wales, a talented Turkey team and a Switzerland side boasting the best FIFA ranking of the four, Mancini found hidden demons. "Switzerland know us well and are always annoying to face, Wales can be a surprise …

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Roberto Mancini spoilt for choice as record-breaking Italy head to European Championships
5 years, 1 month ago

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Roberto Mancini spoilt for choice as record-breaking Italy head to European Championships

Firstpost  

Italy coach Roberto Mancini’s biggest headache at the moment is who he will leave out of the 23-man squad that will head for Euro 2020 in June. Milan: Only 14 months ago Italians were wondering where national coach Roberto Mancini was going to find enough quality players to produce a team worthy of the country’s history. Now Mancini’s biggest headache …

Mancini won't recall Balotelli just to make anti-racism statement
5 years, 1 month ago

Mancini won't recall Balotelli just to make anti-racism statement

The Hindu  

Roberto Mancini will not recall Mario Balotelli to the Italy squad just to make an anti-racism statement but is adamant the Brescia striker is still young enough to make an impact for the Azzurri. Balotelli returned to the Italy fold in 2018 after a four-year absence but has been back in the international wilderness since a 1-1 draw with Poland …

Balotelli racism 'least of concerns,' says Italian politician
5 years, 2 months ago

Balotelli racism 'least of concerns,' says Italian politician

The Hindu  

Mario Balotelli has been criticised by Italian politician Matteo Salvini after the Brescia striker was racially abused in a Serie A match with Hellas Verona. Balotelli kicked the ball at the Verona ultras after receiving racial abuse from sections of the home support during Sunday's clash. The former Manchester City striker subsequently called out "a few idiots," while Verona responded …

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Brescia striker Mario Balotelli left out of Italy squad by manager Roberto Mancini
5 years, 2 months ago

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Brescia striker Mario Balotelli left out of Italy squad by manager Roberto Mancini

Firstpost  

Mario Balotelli was not included in Roberto Mancini’s squad on Friday for Italy’s final Euro 2020 qualifiers, despite the president of the country’s football federation calling for him to be selected Rome: Mario Balotelli was not included in Roberto Mancini’s squad on Friday for Italy’s final Euro 2020 qualifiers, despite the president of the country’s football federation calling for him …

Mario Balotelli: Brescia fans criticize player after he was racially abused
5 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli: Brescia fans criticize player after he was racially abused

CNN  

CNN — Fans of Brescia have criticized Mario Balotelli after the Italian international was racially abused during last Sunday’s match against Hellas Verona. then banned 03:48 - Source: CNN READ: Balotelli suffers racist abuse as incidents continue in Serie A READ: Verona handed partial stadium ban over racist abuse towards Mario Balotelli Brescia is second from bottom in Serie A …

‘The problem is I’m Italian': Balotelli spurs racism debate
5 years, 2 months ago

‘The problem is I’m Italian': Balotelli spurs racism debate

Associated Press  

ROME — The ball that Mario Balotelli angrily kicked high into the stands out of frustration because of racist chants is still traveling. Luca Castellini, the leader of the Hellas Verona “ultra” fan section that directed the racist chants at Balotelli and a leader in the far-right party Forza Nuova in Verona, sees it in his own way. Verona responded …

Serie A: Mario Balotelli says 'problem is that I'm Italian' after discriminatory slurs spark debate over racism in country
5 years, 2 months ago

Serie A: Mario Balotelli says 'problem is that I'm Italian' after discriminatory slurs spark debate over racism in country

Firstpost  

There is a history of Balotelli being subjected to racist chants in Verona, stretching back to when he said ’the fans in Verona disgust me’ after a Chievo Verona vs Inter Milan match in 2010 when he played for Inter Rome: The ball that Mario Balotelli angrily kicked high into the stands out of frustration because of racist chants is …

Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse as incidents continue in Serie A
5 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse as incidents continue in Serie A

CNN  

CNN — Italian football club Hellas Verona has been given a one-match partial stadium closure following racist abuse aimed at Brescia striker Mario Balotelli. Verona also confirmed earlier on Tuesday that it had banned the head of the club’s Ultras Supporters Group, Luca Castellini, from its matches until June 30, 2030 for “considerations and expressions utterly contrary to the ethical …

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti lauds Mario Balotelli's response to racist abuse
5 years, 2 months ago

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti lauds Mario Balotelli's response to racist abuse

The Hindu  

Napoli head coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised Mario Balotelli's reaction to the racist abuse he received during Brescia's Serie A clash with Hellas Verona on Sunday. READ : Balotelli threatens to walk off after racist abuse by Hellas Verona fans Balotelli was persuaded to stay on and see out the game by team-mates and Verona players, before the former Manchester …

Serie A: Hellas Verona president Maurizio Setti insists fans are 'light-hearted, not racist' after abuse of Mario Balotelli
5 years, 2 months ago

Serie A: Hellas Verona president Maurizio Setti insists fans are 'light-hearted, not racist' after abuse of Mario Balotelli

Firstpost  

Italian international Balotelli scored in a 2-1 Serie A defeat on Sunday but his performance was overshadowed by his fury at monkey chants from a section of Verona’s supporters Milan: Mario Balotelli on Monday reacted with anger after the head of Verona’s hard core ultras fans group fuelled the racism row by denying any abuse had been directed at the …

Mario Balotelli: Racist abuse deniers are not 'real men'
5 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli: Racist abuse deniers are not 'real men'

The Hindu  

Brescia striker Mario Balotelli says those who deny he was racially abused during Sunday's Serie A match at Hellas Verona are not "real men". Balotelli kicked the ball angrily towards Verona supporters early in the second half after hearing abuse, before threatening to walk off the pitch. Balotelli was persuaded to stay on and see out the game by team-mates …

Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse as incidents continue in Serie A
5 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli suffers racist abuse as incidents continue in Serie A

CNN  

CNN — Brescia striker Mario Balotelli threatened to leave the pitch after he was racially abused by opposition Verona fans in the latest episode of racism to afflict Italy’s top football division. Italy’s news agency, ANSA, quoted one ‘ultra’ as saying Balotelli “is Italian because he has Italian citizenship but he will never be completely Italian.” Verona club president Setti …

Mario Balotelli walks off pitch after being racially abused by Verona fans
5 years, 2 months ago

Mario Balotelli walks off pitch after being racially abused by Verona fans

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mario Balotelli left the field of play during …

Roberto Mancini: I love Mario Balotelli but I can't do anything for him anymore
5 years, 4 months ago

Roberto Mancini: I love Mario Balotelli but I can't do anything for him anymore

The Hindu  

Mario Balotelli being without a club once again as a new season approaches is "not normal", says Italy head coach Roberto Mancini. "At 29, and for the second year in a row, less than 10 days before the start of the championship, he still didn't have the absolute certainty of a team," Mancini said. WATCH| I don't want my son …

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini confident over Azzuri's future
5 years, 7 months ago

Italy head coach Roberto Mancini confident over Azzuri's future

The Hindu  

Roberto Mancini is confident Italy can replicate the likes of France and Spain and usher in a new era heading into Euro 2020. Italy failed to qualify for World Cup 2018, but has enjoyed a strong start to Euro 2020 qualification under Mancini, winning both of its opening games - 2-0 over Finland and 6-0 against Lichtenstein. And Mancini believes …

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mario Balotelli overlooked due to lack of fitness, says Italy coach Roberto Mancini
5 years, 9 months ago

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mario Balotelli overlooked due to lack of fitness, says Italy coach Roberto Mancini

Firstpost  

Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he overlooked Mario Balotelli for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers because the Marseille player lacked fitness. Milan: Italy coach Roberto Mancini said on Monday he overlooked Mario Balotelli for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers because the Marseille player lacked fitness. From him I expect a lot, he’s nearly 29 years-old, he’s at his peak, and for the …

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