International Friendlies: France 3-1 Italy, 5 Talking Points

#3 Balotelli can lead Italy revival

Balotelli has shown tremendous maturity on return

The biggest task at hand for Roberto Mancini when he took over the helm of Italy was to regroup this disjointed, disconnected side together. Two games in, the former Manchester City manager appears to have worked his charm. And no one symbolises that better than Mario Balotelli.

The OGC Nice striker started for the second time this week, and followed up his heroics against Saudi Arabia with another strong performance.

Spearheading a makeshift Italy side, Balotelli was the single biggest threat from them. He constantly tested the French backline with his efforts and also orchestrated Bonucci’s goal. He let rip a thunderous free-kick just a few yards outside the box that rattled Hugo Lloris’ palms, but the Milan centre-back quickly pounced on the rebound and tapped in from point-blank range.

The 28-year-old is back in the side after four years, but has taken no time to dovetail into it again. Balotelli is as boisterous as ever, and his performance was better than that against the Arabians earlier this week.

The Azzurri are mounting a revival under Mancini, something that will be put through the wringer in the Nations League in September when Portugal and Poland come around. But with Balotelli leading the charge, they can look forward to the challenges with optimism.