Balotelli overlooked as Mancini goes with Joao Pedro in Italy playoff squad

Mario Balotelli played his last game for the Azzurri in 2018 but returned to the setup during the international break in January for a get-together during which no matches were played.

Widespread reports suggested Roberto Mancini, who worked with Mario Balotelli at Inter Milan and Manchester City, would bring the 31-year-old back in for next Thursday's semifinal against North Macedonia, but Brazilian-born Joao Pedro got the nod instead.

Mario Balotelli was overlooked by Italy coach Roberto Mancini for the upcoming World Cup playoffs, with 30-year-old Cagliari striker Joao Pedro given his first call-up to the squad instead.

Balotelli, who now plays his football in Turkey, played his last game for the Azzurri in 2018 but returned to the setup during the international break in January for a get-together during which no matches were played.

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Widespread reports suggested Mancini, who worked with Balotelli at Inter Milan and Manchester City, would bring the 31-year-old back in for next Thursday's semifinal against North Macedonia, but Brazilian-born Joao Pedro got the nod instead.

Lazio defender Luiz Felipe has also received his first call up, while veteran centre-back pair Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are included despite both missing recent Juventus matches through injury.

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Italy will host North Macedonia on March 24 at Palermo's Stadio Barbera in front of a 100 per cent capacity crowd after COVID-19 measures were lifted this week, with the winner facing either Portugal or Turkey in the playoff final for a spot at Qatar 2022.