Mario Balotelli has predicted Inter will retain the Serie A title next season, though the former Italy striker has warned that Roma could emerge as surprise challengers for the Scudetto.
The 34-year-old, currently playing for Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, told Sport Mediaset that while Napoli, Milan and Juventus all have claims to the crown, he expects the Giallorossi to gatecrash the race. “Inter remain the team to beat,” he stated, before adding his twist: “Yes, but I want to add a surprise: Roma.”
Faith in former teammate Chivu
Balotelli’s confidence in the Nerazzurri comes as little surprise given his history with the club, where he won the 2010 treble under José Mourinho alongside current Inter head coach Cristian Chivu. Balotelli described Chivu as “always switched on” during their playing days. “Already a coach on the pitch,” he added, praising the Romanian as “tactically ready and intelligent.”
Juventus move that never was
The former Manchester City striker also revealed details of a transfer that never materialised. Balotelli confirmed he came close to joining Juventus after leaving the Etihad Stadium, only to opt for Milan instead.
“Yes, after Manchester City,” he recalled. “Then I ended up at Milan, so no regrets, it was a choice. Of course, that Juventus side was strong.”
Balotelli had warm words for Massimiliano Allegri, who has recently taken charge at Napoli. He acknowledged recent criticism of the coach but defended their working relationship. “I liked him a great deal at Milan,” he said. “If he’s still that man, he’ll do well.”
Sombre note on Italy
The conversation turned serious when Balotelli discussed the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup since 2014. The striker remains Italy’s last goalscorer at the tournament, a statistic he finds no comfort in.
“It’s nothing to be proud of,” he remarked. “Quite the opposite, it’s a sad thing. Too many years have passed.”
Balotelli’s comments come as Serie A clubs intensify preparations for the new campaign, with Inter aiming to defend their crown and Roma seeking to translate their European pedigree into domestic consistency.