Antonio Conte says that Mario Balotelli could be in danger

Juventus manager Antonio Conte says that Mario Balotelli could be in danger of losing his spot in Italian national team if he does not continue to play regularly at club level.

The striker has struggled for first-team opportunities in 2015 and has been dropped by manager Brendan Rodgers due to his poor form. Liverpool also appear to be in a position of selling him in the summer, as they do not want to continue with a striker who does not seem to set into the team. Balotelli was not part of the Italian squad announced by Conte for the friendly match against England.

Italian football suddenly appears to be heavily reliant on Balotelli for its striking options, as a number of forwards like Stephan El Shaarawy have not been performing up to their best. Once upon a time, the Italian team boasted the likes of Alessandro del Piero and several great strikers. Despite his obvious talent, Balotelli has been unable to replicate a consistent run of form at Liverpool. He has scored just one league goal since joining the Premier League outfit in the summer. Aside from missing out on the national team, Balotelli is also in danger of not being in the Liverpool squad for the upcoming league match against Arsenal.

"I am keeping an eye on everything the League offers.I went to see Southampton play Liverpool and only Graziano Pelle played, as Balotelli and Fabio Borini were on the bench.The doors are open to everyone who shows during their displays that they know what the Italy jersey represents.I hope Balotelli can give Liverpool significant support and play more often. If this should happen, the doors are open for the national team. We need these players to send us important messages and we will be ready to receive them," said Conte.