Mancini: Balotelli's return to the Italy squad is not due to a desperate situation

 Balotelli is one of 35 players who have gathered in Florence with the opportunity to impress and make the Italy squad for when the Azzurriplay their crucial World Cup playoff against North Macedonia in March.

"It's a three-day test, so it's a good time to assess many situations," Mancini told the press. "The door of the national team is always open to everyone and if there are players who can help us, we are happy.

"Maybe when we're desperate we bring out our best, but I don't think this situation is desperate."

Balotelli, who is currently playing in Turkey for Adana Demirspor, last played for Italy in September 2018 in the Nations League.

Mancini says Balotelli's physicality will be evaluated this week, as well as how he gels with the team.

"On a technical level he was always good, that's not up for debate, we just need to see how he is physically," Mancini said.

"We haven't seen him up close in recent months, so seeing him in person for a couple of days can be very helpful. Then he has to fit into a group that has been working really well."

Should Italy beat North Macedonia, they will face Portugal or Turkey in the final stages of the World Cup playoffs.

Mancini is looking for a reliable striker for those matches, and the injuries of Federico Chiesa and Andrea Belotti, plus the poor performances of Ciro Immobile, have created an opportunity for Balotelli.

The Italy manager also admitted that he could change his formation by having two centre forwards and two wingers.

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