Mario Balotelli isn't bothered by his exclusion from Italy boss Giampiero Ventura's squad for the Azzurri's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Macedonia.

The Nice striker has revived his career since joining the Ligue 1 club, scoring five goals in three league starts this season, sparking some to suggest a national team recall was on the cards.

However Ventura chose to leave the former Liverpool man off his squad -- a decision with which Balotelli, who hasn't played for his country since the 2014 World Cup, agrees.

"I've missed it for some time, but it's been deserved," Balotelli, 26, told Sky Sport Italia on Monday.

"I hope to return in blue very soon, but only at my best. To me, it's better to have skipped this match. I want to be at my best for the upcoming games."

Balotelli spent last season on loan at AC Milan, where he failed to impress before being allowed to return to Anfield.

Mario Balotelli has revived his career on the south of France. VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

He described the atmosphere he encountered at the San Siro, saying: "They weren't the best environment for me.

"I did nothing wrong from a behavioural point of view. Injuries are out of players' control and don't depend on us.

"I found a lot of confusion at Milan, the only certainty was and is [Adriano] Galliani.

"What do I think about his possible farewell? This would confirm the current confusion at Milan."

However the former Inter Milan man says he's much more comfortable -- and enjoying his football again -- in the south of France.

"The city where I am now is beautiful," said the former Inter striker. "The environmental aspect played a role in my decision, having recently lived in Liverpool and Milan.

"The team, however, are very young. We're almost all the same age, this is the football that I like.

"I have no more dreams in football, only targets. The ranking of the teams where I have felt good? Nice, Manchester City and... that's it."