Mario Balotelli says he has ‘lost a big opportunity’ to play in another World Cup after Italy miss out for second time in a row, but insists Roberto Mancini must stay

Mario Balotelli believes he has ‘lost a big opportunity’ to play within the 2022 World Cup after Italy didn’t qualify for Qatar.

Roberto Mancini’s aspect misplaced 1-0 to underdogs North Macedonia within the play-offs, confirming Italy’s absence from the competitors for the second time in a row.

Italy’s final time on the event was again in Brazil in 2014 with former Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool striker Balotelli a part of Cesare Prandelli’s aspect who have been eradicated within the group stage, together with England.

Though the competitors was one to overlook for Italy, Balotelli described his first World Cup as a ‘wonderful sensation’ having netted of their 2-1 win over the Three Lions.

It appears the ex-Inter Milan man, who has 14 targets for his nation, was nonetheless clinging on to the hope of attaining World Cup glory, regardless of not making any look for Azzurri since September 2018.

Talking to Sky Sports activities Italia following Italy’s knockout, Balotelli stated: “It hurts.

“However the matter shouldn’t be the call-up in opposition to North Macedonia or Turkey. The World Cup is in December and I may have been a part of the workforce.

“I believe I had an opportunity and I’ve misplaced an vital alternative. To see Italy out of the World Cup is just too unhealthy.

“I’m solely lacking when Italy lose. It’s straightforward to say it now as a result of, earlier than the match, no person was fascinated by me.

“I watched the match against North Macedonia, we had some good chances. I am quite good in front of the goal. It doesn’t mean we’d win with me on the pitch, but we’d had good chances to score.”

When requested if he believed former Metropolis boss Mancini was nonetheless the person for the job, Balotelli gave the nationwide workforce supervisor a glowing evaluate regardless of his disappointment concerning Qatar.

“I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I have affection for him,” admitted the 31-year-old.

“I’m glad that he’ll stay in cost as a result of he has already received the Euros. Persons are disenchanted, however we will’t overlook what the coach has achieved.

“Italy have a strong team, but nobody expected us to become European champions. Mancini deserves to stay.”