Mancini: Calling Balotelli for Italy is not an act of depression

This meeting was convened to allow the coach to check in with his current players and assess possible newcomers ahead of the World Cup play-offs in March. 

They must first defeat North Macedonia, before facing either

Portugal

or

Turkey

for a place in Qatar 2022. 

"We'll have two training sessions today and tomorrow, then a game between ranks on Friday morning," Mancini 

explained

in his press conference.

"We will test out some tactical solutions, as two days isn't much to work, but perhaps it's also right to evaluate those who hadn't been called up in a while, such as Balotelli and others.

"The doors of the Nazionale are always open to everyone and if there are players who can help us, then we are happy."

After Andrea Belotti's injury and Ciro Immobile's dismal performance for Italy, Mancini was questioned if bringing back Adana Demirspor forward Balotelli after three years smelled of 'desperation.'

"If desperation is what we had before the Euros, then it worked for us… Perhaps we give our best when we are feeling a little desperate, but having said that, I don't think this is a situation of desperation.

"Balotelli always did gave great technique, it's just about seeing his physical fitness. We had rather lost sight of him recently, so seeing him up close for a couple of days can be much more helpful. We're curious to see how he's doing after a while and the best way of doing that is up close in training.

"He doesn't need to promise us anything, just as we don't make him any promises. I think he's happy to be here and I will evaluate him the same as all the others, that is all."

Does this indicate that Insigne, who will join Toronto FC and the

in July, will have a future with the Nazionale, given Balotelli's call-up despite playing his club football in Turkey? 

"I don't know what Lorenzo will do. We have the games in March and June, he'll still be here, then there's a window in September and the World Cup, but talking about it now seems premature."

Cagliari attacker Joao Pedro and Lazio defender Luiz Felipe, both of whom just obtained Italian passports, are among the fresh faces called up at this point.

"Joao Pedro has been in Italy for many years, he has good technical qualities and if he's here, it's because he can do a job.

"We consider Luiz Felipe to be a great defender who can have a real future with the Italy squad."

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