Former Manchester City Striker Mario Balotelli Named in Italy Squad for First Time Since 2018

• Mario Balotelli who is in blistering form for Turkish side Adana Demirspor has been called up to the Italian national team
• The striker returns to represent his country for the first time since 2018 as Italy begin preparations for World Cup qualifying playoffs
• Coach Roberto Mancini recalls the star to the national team as both had a series of face-offs in recent times

Former Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli has been called up to the Italian national team for the first time since 2018, BBC Sport reports.

GOAL reports that the 31-year-old returns to the squad after four years as the European nation begin their final preparation for the World Cup play-off semi-final.

After scoring 18 league goals for Turkish side Adana Demirspor this season, Balotelli joins 34 others who have been named for a three-day camping.

Italy to play North Macedonia in March

Italy are billed to take on North Macedonia on March 24 and they have turned to ‘Super Mario’ who already has 34 caps for his country, scoring 14 goals.

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This week's training camp is one of Roberto Mancini's final opportunities to get his players together before the North Macedonia match.

The striker worked under Mancini earlier in his career at Inter Milan and Manchester City.

Balotelli linked with Premier League return

Meanwhile, Balotelli is now on the verge of making a sensational return to the Premier League as Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the former Manchester City star.

The Italian striker is not a new person to Premier League fans considering his controversies even though he won the topflight title at the Etihad Stadium.

Following the takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund last year October, Newcastle United chiefs are ready to invest heavily on the club so as to attract big players.

Mario Balotelli joined Manchester City in 2010 after leaving Inter Milan and spent three years at the Etihad stadium netting 20 goals in 54 games.

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He is currently plying his trade in Turkey for Adana Demirspor, who are managed by former Fulham star Vincenzo Montella.

Balotelli involved in car crash

Sports Brief earlier reported that Mario Ballotelli was involved in a car crash right at the turn of the New Year.

The 29-year old was the passenger in a Fiat 500 Abarth which crashed into the gate of a bakery in northern Brescia.

While neither Balotelli nor his driver on the night was seriously hurt, the Italian striker was forced to make his way to his house in nearby Mompiano on foot.