International news: Italy boss Antonio Conte can handle Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli: Liverpool striker not seen as 'a challenge' by Italy coach Antonio Conte

Italy boss Antonio Conte believes he will have no problem handling the temperamental nature of Mario Balotelli.

The new Liverpool striker has had his fair share of off-field problems in the past, and was unable to fire the Azzurri past the group stages of this summer's World Cup in Brazil, as well as enduring a mixed start to his Anfield career.

Conte believes that a player's form on the pitch and their conduct off it are both as important, and has no fears Balotelli will suffer problems with either.

"When considering football on and off the pitch, players will have to earn their spot on merit," Conte told Il Processo del Lunedi.

"Performances on the pitch will do the talking.

"I don't see Mario as a challenge because I don't compare myself to the past, so will not do it with him."

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