Italy interim manager Luigi Di Biagio has defended his decision to omit Nice striker Mario Balotelli from his squad.
The former Roma midfielder admitted that the forward is in good goalscoring form, but stood by his choice to give less established internationals a chance in recent friendlies.
"I know all of Mario's goals, having watched 15 games in their entirety with him on the pitch this season. He is playing well, but I made 360-degree assessments," Di Biagio told Premium Sport.
"A player must be assessed for their performances and what they do on the pitch. Knowing him well enough, I preferred to give others priority."
Balotelli, who is out of contract with Nice this summer, has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
Written by
Mark Langshaw
Mark Langshaw
