Italian criticism of striker Mario Balotelli and Italy’s continued exclusion of him from their rosters is getting old. Balotelli is clearly the best Italian player. Even on their best days, neither Lorenzo Insigne or Ciro Immobile could reach Balotelli’s ability with a 10-foot pole.
This season with Ligue 1 side Nice, Balotelli has reminded everyone with his 14 goals so far why he continues to be a much sought after striker in European club football. Despite being the best Italian player and the player who performed the best in the 2014 World Cup, Balotelli was again left off Italy’s most recent roster even though the Azzurri didn’t even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Even for a meaningless game, Italy still excluded Balotelli.
This season might be the best season of the Italian’s career, and his combination of skill, creativity, speed, and strength are still a nightmare for defenders. Although a striker by trade, Balotelli has always displayed world-class passing ability, which includes the ability to provide assists or unlock defenses.
Recently against Paris Saint-Germain, Balotelli was all that PSG’s defenders Thiago Silva and Presnel Kimpembe could handle. The Italian’s side Nice has a talented and cohesive squad that features excellent players from the defense to the attack. Balotelli not only has pass masters in the midfield behind him, but he has electric and creative attackers with him up front. From all appearances, the Italian thrives with him teammates and enjoys playing with them. 20 plus goals is within reach for Balotelli this season.
Balotelli has a tendency to loss focus in games too often and to engage with the referees too much, but you have to wonder what’s really motivating Balotelli’s critics. The striker has proven over his career that he can be dangerous and effective in any league, and he has proven that he performs well at the international level as well. Balotelli was one of the only Italian players to perform well at the 2014 World Cup, but after the tournament, he was blamed by the Italian press, fans, and coach for Italy’s exit from the tournament. Coach Cesare Prandelli went as far to call selecting Balotelli for his World Cup squad a mistake. If it was such a hard roster decision, then why did Prandelli start him rather than just using him as a substitute. Prandelli clearly rated him enough to start him.
No other Italian player has the same ability to score off any free kick within 40 meters. Any free kick for Balotelli is something close to a 50/50 chance of scoring, which displays his overall technical ability and scoring threat. Of all the Italian players, only Balotelli truly worries even the very best of the elite defenders.
Balotelli remains the best and most special Italian player. No other Italian player has his technical skill and creativity, and no other Italian player is better at eluding defenders, passing, and scoring.