Mario Balotelli defended by Mino Raiola after ex-Italy boss Arrigo Sacchi accused ex-Man City star of ‘lacking intelligence’
Balotelli blasted by Sacchi after limp performance against Poland but Raiola has come out all guns blazing
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MINO RAIOLA sprang to Mario Balotelli’s defence after the controversial striker was blasted by Italian legend Arrigo Sacchi.
Balotelli had a game to forget during Italy’s 1-1 draw with Poland in the Uefa Nations League on Friday, and was booed off the pitch by supporters.
Former AC Milan and Azzurri boss Sacchi, who lost the 1994 World Cup final to Brazil on penalties, declared that Balotelli should be dropped by Roberto Mancini due to his "lack of a footballing brain".
He said: “When Mario wonders around by himself and doesn’t even attempt to stick to the plan, what are you supposed to say to him?”
But super-agent Raiola hit back in typical fashion, claiming that “pitiful” two-time European Cup winner Sacchi lacks “intelligence and class”, and is now “finished” in football.
Raiola told Adnkronos news agency: “Intelligence isn’t only necessary in football, but also in life.
“With his words, Sacchi showed he has no intelligence or class.
“I don’t understand why we are listening to someone who is living on past glories and taking the credit for leading a Milan side that was so strong it would’ve won without a Coach.
“Sacchi just has to thank (then Milan President Silvio) Berlusconi and think of the World Cup Final he lost with an Italy side that should’ve won that trophy.
“After Milan, he didn’t win anywhere else and has no right to be giving lectures. After all, what he said about Mario confirms what people have said about Sacchi for a long time: he’s finished. He’s just pitiful now.”
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Despite the debate surrounding his international future, Balotelli posted an inspirational message to his Instagram story which read: “Good morning… don’t ruin a good day by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go. I am strong and you?”