Balotelli confirms his worth in Brazil
Source: Agencies |
June 19, 2013, Wednesday
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IF last year's European Championship was the moment Mario Balotelli revealed himself to a global audience, this year's Confederations Cup is shaping up as confirmation that he is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
And if Italy appeared hesitant at times to heap too much pressure on Balotelli in Poland and Ukraine, that's no longer an issue.
When Balotelli scored the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over Mexico, it didn't come as a surprise. He was bundle of energy throughout the game at the Maracana Stadium.
According to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, the difference for Balotelli, born to Ghanain parents, is that he has gained more confidence by playing regularly for AC Milan since his January transfer from Manchester City.
After 2 1/2 years of often being relegated to the substitutes' bench in England, Balotelli returned to Italy at the start of this year and scored 12 goals in just 13 appearances for Milan.
"Talent-wise, he's the same as a year ago, because Balotelli will always be extraordinary in the way he plays football, but now he's also found continuity with his club, which is something he didn't have before," Buffon said on Monday. "That gives him serenity and extra self-confidence.
"It's a huge advantage to have a player like him," added Buffon, the senior member of the Azzurri at 35 and one of the few remnants from the squad that won the 2006 World Cup.
Balotelli tied as top scorer for the tournament with three goals when Italy reached the final of Euro 2012, including two spectacular goals in the 2-1 semifinal win over Germany, and he sees no reason why the Azzurri can't go just as far here.
"We're here to do the best possible, to reach the final," Balotelli said. "And I think this squad has the quality to get there."
And if Italy appeared hesitant at times to heap too much pressure on Balotelli in Poland and Ukraine, that's no longer an issue.
When Balotelli scored the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over Mexico, it didn't come as a surprise. He was bundle of energy throughout the game at the Maracana Stadium.
According to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, the difference for Balotelli, born to Ghanain parents, is that he has gained more confidence by playing regularly for AC Milan since his January transfer from Manchester City.
After 2 1/2 years of often being relegated to the substitutes' bench in England, Balotelli returned to Italy at the start of this year and scored 12 goals in just 13 appearances for Milan.
"Talent-wise, he's the same as a year ago, because Balotelli will always be extraordinary in the way he plays football, but now he's also found continuity with his club, which is something he didn't have before," Buffon said on Monday. "That gives him serenity and extra self-confidence.
"It's a huge advantage to have a player like him," added Buffon, the senior member of the Azzurri at 35 and one of the few remnants from the squad that won the 2006 World Cup.
Balotelli tied as top scorer for the tournament with three goals when Italy reached the final of Euro 2012, including two spectacular goals in the 2-1 semifinal win over Germany, and he sees no reason why the Azzurri can't go just as far here.
"We're here to do the best possible, to reach the final," Balotelli said. "And I think this squad has the quality to get there."
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