Mario Balotelli recalled for 2014 World Cup qualifiers

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli has been recalled to Italy squad for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Denmark.

The controversial striker returns to international fold after missing the opening games against Malta and Bulgaria through an eye injury, despite seeing little playing time at Manchester City this season.

Domenico Criscito, Alberto Gilardino, Andrea Ranocchia, Antonio Candreva and Stephan El Shaarawy also return, but Antonio Cassano continues to miss out in spite of the bright start to the season.

The Azzurri travel to Armenia on 12th October before playing host to Denmark at San Siro on 16th October.

Cesare Prandelli’s side took four points from first two qualifying games, but they, nonetheless, remain the favourites to qualify from Group B.

The world’s largest betting exchange Betfair are offering 1.58 (4/7) on the Azzurri to win their 2014 World Cup qualifying group.

Italy squad:

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Fiorentina);

Defenders: Abate (Milan), Balzaretti (Roma), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit St. Petersburg), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino), Ranocchia (Inter);

Midfielders: Candreva (Lazio), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus), Verratti (Paris St. Germain);

Forwards: Balotelli (Manchester City), Destro (Roma), El Shaarawy (Milan), Gilardino (Bologna), Giovinco (Juventus), Osvaldo (Roma).