Balotelli's career at the crossroads, says Italy coach Ventura
By Reuters/Ian Rodricks &nbspJuly 20, 2016 | 03:53 pm GMT+7
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told Balotelli he has no future at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old returned to Liverpool after an unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan but is far down the pecking order at the Premier League club, who also have Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings in their ranks.
Balotelli, who could not even make Italy's provisional squad for the European Championship in France, has scored just once in 20 league games during his loan spell at the Serie A club.
"In terms of his character, he could do much better. The fact he's not playing at Milan, that Liverpool have abandoned him, means that he is at a crossroads," Ventura, who was named as Antonio Conte's replacement last month, told Italian media.
"The few times that Balotelli has really wanted to be a footballer, he has shown his quality. I have no prejudice, but his football must do the talking."
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero urged Balotelli to join the club earlier this month, saying that the club would be the perfect place for the player to revive his flailing career.
Ventura, who will be in charge up to and including the 2018 World Cup in Russia, also criticized Italy international Graziano Pelle for joining China's Shandong Luneng, saying the 31-year-old former Southampton player made a mistake by leaving England's top flight.
"Players need to have a desire to win, going to a lesser league doesn't help in that regard," the 68-year-old added.
"As for Pelle, apart from his missed penalty (in the Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat to Germany), he had a positive campaign. But China is far away. Let's see why he moved."
> Germany desperate to snap out of Italy nightmare
Tags: Italy football Liverpool
Asian Cup 2019: Holders Australia fall to shock Jordan loss
Malaysia reach AFF final as champion Thais miss late penalty
Pitlanes and pitfalls: Vietnam's bid to avoid F1 flop
Kids, beer bottles and a public pool - how Laos swimmer, 14, trains for Rio
Five of Euro 2016's biggest flops
Portugal breaks into jubilation after Euro soccer win
Five previous Portugal vs. France clashes
"Dragon-slayer" Ronaldo shatters Wales big night
Reading: Balotelli's career at the crossroads, says Italy coach Ventura