Recently, there has been much debate surrounding the potential inclusion of Mario Balotelli on Cesare Prandelli’s 23-man roster for this summer’s upcoming FIFA World Cup. That’s right, Super Mario has been the brunt of much negative media attention this Serie A season. What else is new? Yet this time there is little doubt that it is warranted by his play on the field rather than off.
If this article were written two years ago it would have been dismissed as sheer lunacy. Balotelli had played an integral role in Manchester City’s title march, fondly remembered for his 90th minute assist to Sergio Aguero on the final match day and clinching the title for the Citizens in the process. He went on to star on the international stage, clinching not one but two matches for the Azzurri at Euro 2012 including a brace in his legendary semi-final performance against Germany. Mario was on top of the world. What then, has changed?
The 2013 winter move to AC Milan, the club which he supported as a child is what has hindered Mario. Asked to lead the attacking line for the first time in his career there was no competition for him in the squad – and there still isn’t. His progress being stalled, AC Milan is hurting the development of Italy’s crown jewel. With no major transfers aside from a few Bosman deals and loans, the cupboard has become bare in a club once abundant in riches, a team which had Pirlo, Beckham, Kaka and Ronaldinho fighting over free kick responsibilities just half a decade ago. That was then – this is now.
This is a club in which a footballer from the Football League Championship can be brought in on loan to strengthen the side. Adel Taarabt is not your average Championship player, mind you, yet it is a little disheartening when considered in hindsight. A club once praised for its backline now boasts Bonera, Mexes and Rami as its anchors. Tremendous footballers in their own regard, but not up to the standards of the Milan sides of old and their defensive pedigree that they were renowned for. In the perspective of Mario Balotelli, the management that he has been under during his stay pales in comparison to those commanding at his previous clubs. It soon became evident that Massimiliano Allegri was not on par with Jose Mourinho or Roberto Mancini, Clarence Seedorf on the other hand can’t be properly evaluated as of yet but has never had any prior coaching experience.
Hence, one can understand the frustration of Mario Balotelli. Being a member of a squad which is going through a period of decline is something that he has never encountered in his young career. There will be no trophies this season – they’re an irrelevant side as far as Italian football is concerned, languishing in the the standings.
However this does not excuse his behaviour on and off the field nor his efforts, or rather lack thereof this Serie A season. He has been a shadow of the player he once was. One can argue that Super Mario was brought in to score goals and he has, albeit inconsistently and more often than not spectacular. So why the critics? It is his play off of the ball, his attitude in training (the video of him skipping a drill comes to mind) and his confrontational personality which have come under fire. Known to possess a lazy demeanour, it has been bolstered by his sulking, a constant theme it seems in the San Siro. Mario is frustrated – it’s blatantly obvious and everyone knows it.
There have been calls for him to not get on the flight to Brazil, that there are more deserving strikers than him who will miss out – veteran centre forward Luca Toni has scored more goals than him. Roma poacher Mattia Destro has proven to be the most consistent scorer in the peninsula, scoring a goal roughly every 100 minutes. The Torino duo of Cerci and Immobile have been nothing but spectacular when paired together. So, the question must be asked – why Mario over them?
It comes down to his dynamic big-game presence. Cesare Prandelli knows better than anyone how useful, how clinical and how devastating Mario Balotelli can be under pressure. He thrives on emotion, on desire. If Prandelli can manipulate Balotelli’s frustration and hunger it will be for the better of Italy and AC Milan’s prospects of qualifying for Europe this upcoming season. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for the Italian, an opportunity for redemption. If he fails in completing his task, then so will his nation on their quest for glory. It is the big stage and it needs its biggest actor – his name is Mario Balotelli, and my money is on Cesare Prandelli agreeing on this.
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