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Mario Balotelli has hit out at Italy’s current crop of strikers, insisting he considers himself ‘the strongest’ as he bids for an unlikely national team recall ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
The 33-year-old has not featured for the Azzurri since their 1-1 Nations League draw with Poland in September 2018.
Since then the former Manchester City striker has had spells with Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza, Sion and is currently in his second stint with Turkish top-flight outfit Adana Demirspor.
‘If I’m well, I still consider myself the strongest,’ he told TvPlay via Calciomercato.com. ‘Did [Giacomo] Raspadori and [Gianluca] Scamacca play yesterday? How many shots did they take combined? Two? I want to recover and play for the national team.
Former Man City forward Mario Balotelli believes that he is still the best striking option for Italy
Balotelli hit out at Giacomo Raspadori (left) and Gianluca Scamacca (right) who have seven international goals between them
Italy secured qualification to the 2024 European Championship after a draw on Monday night
Balotelli was a star man for Italy in their run to the final of the European Championship in 2012
‘I always hope for the call. I met Spalletti and I’ve met him several times. We made some jokes when we met in a friendly with Napoli, but I have no relationship.’
Italy will have the chance to defend their crown after booking their place at EURO 2024 with a controversial 0-0 draw against Ukraine. Under former Napoli boss Spalletti, the side have recorded three wins from six games and have bounced back from the disappointment of failing to reach last year’s World Cup.
But despite improvements the side lack quality in attack, with none of their current squad boasting more than eight international goals. Raspadori top scores among the forwards with just six.
Balotelli by contrast has 14 to his name from 36 appearances and has begun his second spell in Adana positively with three goals from five games.
