Mario Balotelli, never one to hold back, has delivered a searing critique of the Italian national team. The outspoken forward, now 35 years old and without a club since leaving Genoa at the close of last season, pulled no punches. He openly declared his dislike for the current squad, even specifically calling out “this team led by Gennaro Gattuso.”
Balotelli’s main issue? A perceived lack of passion. “I don’t like it,” he told Italian media. He sees the national team as a huge topic for discussion. He made sure to add that his comments were “not to attack anyone.” However, he frequently observes players in the national team lacking the true desire to fight for their nation’s jersey. And that, he insisted, is something he simply doesn’t like.
He went on to compare this to his own time wearing the famous blue shirt. “When I played for the national team, I felt immense pride representing Italy,” he explained. Balotelli firmly believes that deep sense of pride is now missing from the squad. It’s a powerful statement from a player who always brought his unique personality to the pitch.
The discussion also touched on his place in Italian football history. When asked if he considered himself the last true center forward to play for Italy, Balotelli readily agreed. With a typical twinkle in his eye, he simply replied, “That’s what they tell me.”