Balotelli must rise to challenge - Cannavaro

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli reacts after scoring on penalty against Ajax Amsterdam during their Champions League soccer match at the Amsterdam Arena stadium October 1, 2013. REUTERS/Michael Kooren

Former Italian international captain Fabio Cannavaro said that AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli faces tough competition in attack for the Azzurri.

The Italian’s have several players potentially capable of stepping up into attack as well as some more established stars. Southampton’s Daniel Osvaldo, Genoa’s Alberto Gilardino and former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi, now of Fiorentina, are all in the current squad as is Napoli’s up and coming forward Lorenzo Insigne.


Cannavaro has challenged former Manchester City striker Balotelli to up his game and ensure he retains his place suggesting the that it is more of a challenge than at his club AC Milan.

Cannavaro told the Italian press: "Mario is a strong player, but there are many players available to the national team."
"The national team are not a club.”

Balotelli has scored 11 goals for Italy since making his debut in 2010.
Italy have qualified with ease for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil and drew 2-2 with Denmark on Friday. Their final game on Tuesday will be against Armenia who shocked Bulgaria with a 2-1 win on Friday.