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| Balotelli back for semi-final |
Friday 26 June, 2009 |
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Mario Balotelli will return to the Italian line-up this evening as the Under-21 side face Germany in the European Championship semi-final.
The Inter striker missed the final group game against Belarus through suspension after his dismissal in the win over hosts Sweden.
However, the powerful striker is once more at the disposal of Pierluigi Casiraghi and the tactician is well aware of what the teenager can do.
“He just needs to stay calm and play his own game,” said the Coach of a boy whose temperament has been questioned.
“He has great quality and I’m just interested in him expressing that talent. I also hope he scores a goal…
“But I don’t want to increase the pressure which he is already under. He’s learning a lot, yet I expect a lot because he can give a lot.”
Italy progressed to the last four by winning their group after drawing with Serbia, but beating Sweden and Belarus.
“When you get to this stage of the competition you can have two mental approaches,” added Gigi. “One is to already be happy with what you have achieved or the other is to think about what could be won.
“I’ll obviously ask the latter from my players when we take on Germany. They’re a good team, an international one, with many good players.
“They have a good mix of tactical ability and German mentality.”
Although Balotelli is back, the former Juventus and Lazio striker is without Claudio Marchisio and Paolo De Ceglie.
“They were important players in the group games,” added the tactician. “We had found balance in midfield.
“Not having the pair will allow me to think of different solutions. But we’ll play with the same mentality whether I go for two or three attackers.”
England play hosts Sweden in the other semi-final later today.
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