Cesare Prandelli believes Italy’s doors are still “open” to Mario Balotelli and that “organisation” is behind the Roberto Mancini revival.
Balotelli has been overlooked by Mancini for the past year, but Prandelli is certain the Brescia striker can fight his way back to the squad.
“I read the statement from the coach and don’t believe it’s a closed case,” the former Italy CT told Radio Anch’io Sport.
“If Mario shows consistency, the door will be open. He must find consistency and balance. After that, I think the coach will take him into account.”
The FIGC wanted Mancini to recall the 29-year-old after he was racially abused by Verona fans last month.
However, Prandelli disagreed the situation could be compared to when he let then-Gubbio defender Simone Farina train with the Italy squad after he reported match-fixing.
“I feel they are different situations. At the time, Italian football was experiencing a historic moment.”
On the other hand, the Euro 2012 finalist has been hugely impressed by the Azzurri after they qualified for next year’s tournament with nine straight wins.
“The prospects of this young team and the organisation. He understood that he could only have a future with the young players.
“There’s a great team spirit and the coach has prepared for the big occasions in a very good way. The foundations are very interesting.
“As [Juventus defender Leonardo] Bonucci said, the team must grow and improve to reach the level of teams like France, Germany and England.”
Finally, the former Fiorentina and Genoa boss revealed who had particularly caught his eye.
“There are several. The organisation has been crucial. I don’t feel like naming one individual. I think it’s a very interesting group.
“In attack we have so many names, but also in defence there are players who have grown and Acerbi is an example.”
Italy round off their qualifying campaign against Armenia this evening, hoping to make it 10 victories out of 10.
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