Mancini recalled Balotelli for selection because he is “old”.

Looking back after three years away from Italy, Mario Balotelli retains the confidence of Roberto Mancini, who remains one of the best strikers in the world according to the Nazinale coach.

Roberto Mancini is in a playful mood. The coach, who has just unveiled a roster of 35 players for a training course in Florence, justified the presence of Mario Balotelli in the group three years after his last selection.

“It has been three years since I spoke to him. I called him because he is old, ...