Gianfranco Zola: 'Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano should move to Qatar'

Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano have been urged to go to continue their careers in Qatar by former Chelsea striker and Al Arabi coach Gianfranco Zola.

Balotelli endured a terrible first season under Brendan Rodgers, scoring once in 16 league appearances.

Cassano, meanwhile, has been without a club since leaving Parma in January, but Zola believes that his compatriots should play their football in Qatar to focus on their game and regain their confidence.

"Balotelli and Cassano are two top players, and moving to Qatar could be an excellent opportunity for them to play in a league with less scrutiny, recharge their batteries, and return to Europe as protagonists," Zola told Sky Sport Italia.

Both strikers have been linked with moves to Sampdoria but the Serie A club are unwilling to match Liverpool's asking price for Balotelli.