Mario Balotelli showed Italy what they were missing during their World Cup qualifying campaign as the striker scored from open play in his first outing, with the Azzurri after four years in the international wilderness. Italy began a new chapter in their history under new coach Roberto Mancini after the debacle to qualify for the World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura.
Italy’s 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia will inject confidence into the team moving forward as the nation seeks to desperately get back onto its feet. A resurgent Balotelli will no doubt play a huge role in this process as he looks to fulfil his full potential after an excellent campaign in France with Nice.