Italy boss Giampiero Ventura has again snubbed Mario Balotelli for his national team squad and now explained why.
Read: Top 12 Goalscorers In UCL History
Balotelli has scored six Ligue1 goals in his first six league games for OGC Nice, helping his side to sit in first spot, and many suggested he deserves a recall to the Italian squad.
While Ventura, who took over from Antonio Conte after the 2016 UEFA European Championship, insisted Balotelli's talent was never in question, he doubted whether his personality has changed enough in just two months.
"It's not due to technical reasons that Balotelli isn't on the national team," the 68-year-old said, as quoted by ESPN.
"He has great skills. Nobody is debating his technical abilities. Rather it's a thousand other factors.
"He's been back in form for two months now but you can't think that in two months somebody has changed who they are."
Balotelli last featured for Italy when the Azzurri were eliminated in the group stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and has since been ommited from the squad.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old, who netted 13 goals in 33 appearances for Italy, has insisted that his side can lift the French league title, despite losing their first game on the weekend.
"It's possible but it will be difficult. We've only played 11 games. But I'm here to win something so I think it's possible," he told TF1's Telefoot.
"Nice were a good side, even without Mario. I am happy, We are top of the league. But that isn't enough for me."
Read: 12 Most Powerful Agents In Football
Italy first face Liechtenstein in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualier on Saturday 12 November before current world champions Germany three days later.
Do you think Balotelli deserves to be recalled into the Italy squad? Have your say in the comments section below.
