‘Balotelli one of the best’

By Football Italia staff

Domenico Criscito calls Mario Balotelli “one of the best in the world”, and admits he’s still bitter over missing Euro 2012 with Italy.

Both Criscito and Super Mario are back in the Azzurri squad under new CT Roberto Mancini, and the former spoke at a Press conference at Coverciano this afternoon.

“Balotelli? I know him well, he’s a good lad,” the defender said.

“As a player he’s one of the best in the world, he can only do well.”

Criscito was dropped from the Euro 2012 squad as he was under investigation as part of a match-fixing scandal, but he was later cleared of all charges.

“Every time I think about it, 2012 is a bad memory. Now I’ve matured though and I’m happier. I have no desire for revenge, but that scar will never go away.

“Every time I come to Coverciano I’m reminded of those bad memories, but everything is part of life.

“I thank Mancini, who made me captain of Zenit and gave me the opportunity to return to the Azzurri. He’s a great Coach, and the right man to restart the national team.”

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