Italy Fails to World Cup 2022, Roberto Mancini’s Mother: I’ll Call Mario Balotelli

Marianna Puolo, Roberto Mancini’s mother, will call up Mario Balotelli if he becomes Italy coach. On the other hand, Puolo also regretted Jorginho’s penalty miss in the match against Switzerland in the qualifiers.

Italy tragically failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Italy fell in the 2022 World Cup play-offs. Gli Azzurri lost 1-0 to North Macedonia in the duel held at Renzo Barbera.

Failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup is a disaster for Italy. Because, they failed to advance to the World Cup two editions in a row. Especially in this edition, Italy failed after winning Euro 2020.

Behind Italy’s failure, there are many pros and cons. Especially the calling of players, including the absence of Mario Balotelli. Check out Puolo’s opinion on Italy’s failure below.

Should’ve called Mario Balotelli

Mancini had called Balotelli to join the training camp some time ago. Because, Balotelli performed well with Adana Demirspor in Turkey. However, Balotelli’s name was not included in the final list of the Italian squad.

“Yesterday could have been better, but this is football, sometimes things go well and sometimes they don’t. We have the game in our hands but the attack is not good,” said Puolo.

“I would call Mario Balotelli, because he has incredible physical strength and nothing can stop him when he is in front of goal,” said Puolo.

Balotelli has scored 11 goals in 25 matches in the Turkish Super League. The goal record is indeed inferior to Ciro Immobile or Domenico Berardi in Serie A. However, with his experience, Balotelli is considered worthy of defending Italy.

Regrets Jorginho’s penalty miss

Looking back, Puolo regrets missing Jorginho’s penalty against Switzerland in qualifying. Had that moment been a goal, Italy would have won and would not have to struggle in the play-offs to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

“Unfortunately, mistakes like Jorginho cost us. I don’t want to point my finger at him because he definitely didn’t do it on purpose, but if you miss three penalties…,” said Puolo.

“Macedonia only had one chance, maybe Gianluigi Donnarumma could save him but there is no point in talking about it now. This squad has not lost the magic at Euro 2020 and is afraid of making mistakes,” concluded Puolo.