Thursday, 13th December, 2012
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis admits he would love to sign Mario Balotelli from Manchester City, but has too many strikers at the club already.
Balotelli’s continued presence at Manchester City is once again in doubt after manager Roberto Mancini pulled him off early in the second half against Manchester United at the weekend, following a lacklustre display from the Italy international.
Mancini was quick to warn Balotelli after the match that he must work harder or he risks wasting his talent.
Instantly a return to Italy was suggested, where the former Inter striker has a great number of admirers.
And Balotelli may find comfort at home, were he snapped up by one of his suitors.
But while Napoli are one of those clubs who can be counted amongst Balotelli’s fans, De Laurentiis believes there is just no room for the 22-year-old at present.
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"Balotelli, I love him", De Laurentiis told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"He is maturing and we love players with those characteristics, but we have five strikers."
De Laurentiis then went on to explain that Napoli can call upon Edinson Cavani, Goran Pandev, Marek Hamsik, Eduardo Vargas and Lorenzo Insigne up front.
Napoli have had little problem scoring goals this season, having found the back of the net 29 times in 16 Serie A games so far. Only Roma and league leaders Juventus have scored more.
The Azzurri would also no doubt have to splash out a substantial sum to sign Balotelli.
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