Inter Milan FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1908
• Manager:

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Lippi hints at Balotelli omission

17 Mar 2010 - 07:56:56

Click To Enlarge

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has dropped a strong hint that Internazionale starlet Mario Balotelli will not be part of his World Cup squad.

Lippi believes the 19-year-old striker has bags of potential but has suggested that the under-21 international still has a great deal to learn.

"Balotelli is a lad that has great potential," he said. "I am certain, that once his path to maturity is complete, something which Inter are managing very well, he will be able to bring in his quality to the national team."

Balotelli was a surprise omission from the Inter squad which travelled to London to take on Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday evening following reports of a rift with coach Jose Mourinho.