Italy coach Mancini ends Balotelli’s international career

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has effectively ended the international career of Mario Balotelli.

Now with Sion, Balotelli has harboured hopes of returning to the Azzurri squad.

But Mancini has all but shut the door on that prospect when asked about his former Inter Milan striker on Monday.

Discussing Italy’s striker options, he said: “There are Italian strikers out there and they are in good shape – trust me.”

When Balotelli’s name was put to Mancini, he was adamant.

“I think that chapter is closed.”