Maverick striker Mario Balotelli was recalled by Italy for the first time in nearly four years on Saturday as new coach Roberto Mancini named his first squad.
Mancini’s first games in charge are friendlies against Saudi Arabia in St Gallen, Switzerland, on May 28, then against France in Nice on June 1 and the Netherlands in Turin on June 4.
Balotelli, who has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances, has not been selected for Italy since the last World Cup when his attitude was the subject of barely-veiled criticism from some senior players.
But a recall had been on the cards after he scored 26 goals in all competitions for Nice this season.