EURO 2012: Balotelli place assured in Italian squad
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Mario Balotelli has been assured of his place in the Italian squad for Euro 2012. The controversial striker, who lines out for Manchester City, is a figure of much discussion following a long list of regrettable incidents both on and off the pitch, most recently a red card against Arsenal and his future in the national squad had been in some doubt. However, manager Cesare Prandelli has said that Balotelli place is safe.
“Have I made peace with Balotelli? Yes although to be honest we never argued in the first place.” Prandelli told RAI television.
“I never thought of doing without Balotelli, as he is a firm point of the Nazionale.”
The 54 year-old manager also gave assurance to Antonio Cassano about his place in the squad as he continues his comeback from heart surgery.
“We can recover him and his enthusiasm is contagious. I need Cassano.” Prandelli added that he didn’t think he would need to call on the older warriors of Italian football, but conceded he may do so in an emergency.
“Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero? If I should find myself in an emergency situation with the team, then I would call upon the old champions but I have a project for Italy and it involves young players.
"We will evaluate some new faces ahead of the Euros. I called up Borini last time, so the youngsters can absolutely dream of a place in the tournament.”
The Azzurri are in Group C along with Croatia, Ireland and Spain.
