Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 6y

Mario Balotelli 'more mature' on return to Italy squad - Leonaro Bonucci

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci says he has found a more mature Mario Balotelli since the striker was recalled by Roberto Mancini.

Balotelli, 27, is set to make his first appearance since the 2014 World Cup when Italy face Saudi Arabia in a friendly in St Gallen on Monday night.

He was recalled by Mancini in his first squad selection since being installed as Italy's new coach and Bonucci, who played with the forward in their ill-fated World Cup group stage exit four years ago, says he has noticed a difference in Balotelli's attitude.

"He's changed compared to the past," Bonucci said at a news conference in Switzerland. "He's more mature. There's been great involvement, desire and enthusiasm on the part of everybody and these are important foundations to build upon."

Bonucci will wear the captain's armband on Monday, but former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes giving Balotelli the armband could work wonders.

"I think it would be a great idea," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Above all because it would give him a sense of responsibility.

"The head is worth as much as your heart and your genius. He's got great quality and he's matured even more since his last experience with the national team. Technically, he can give a considerable contribution, but he needs to learn that he has to be one of the best at any cost.

"If he settles into the group, he could be the one who leads them. In this new Italy, which has the quality to bounce back, he definitely has a place."

Mancini, however, has yet to decide whether Balotelli will play on Monday.

"He wants to play in front of his friends in Nice [when Italy face France on June 1] so let's see if we play him immediately or in our second game," he said. "I didn't call him up because I felt obliged to, though, but because he's good.

"Other Italy coaches have also called him up in the past. If he does well and puts in the effort, then there won't be any problems. I'll decide in the morning."

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