Italy boss Giampiero Ventura: 'Door is open' for Mario Balotelli if he reforms

Nice striker Mario Balotelli still has a future with the Italy national team if he can prove he is a reformed man, according to coach Giampiero Ventura.

Ventura chose not to pick Balotelli, 26, in an experimental squad for a series of postseason friendly matches, but he says he has visited the player in France and told him exactly what he needs to do to force his way back into the reckoning.

Ventura emphasised that the door is still open for the former Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool forward, just as long as he toes the line.

"I've spoken with Balotelli and we had a long meeting," Ventura told a news conference after a young Italy side defeated San Marino 8-0 in Empoli. "In terms of his technical quality, that's not up for discussion, but first of all he needs to work out for himself what kind of man he wants to be.

"He needs to give important signs if he wants to have a chance of getting back into this group. I've told him this in no uncertain terms and I know that he appreciated it, even if it is something I've already said in the past.

"But the door is open to everybody and it would only be a good thing for our football if we could rediscover the quality of Balotelli."

Balotelli scored 15 goals in 23 Ligue 1 games for Nice this season, helping them finish third and qualify for the Champions League next term.

His on-field exploits earned more headlines than any off-field behaviour, which is what Ventura wants to see continue next season if Balotelli is to have a chance of forcing his way back into the Italy squad.

It is not yet sure where Balotelli will play next season since he only signed a one-year contract with Nice when he joined from Liverpool last summer, so he is therefore free to discuss terms with other clubs.

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