Saturday 19 March 2016 22:11, UK
Italy coach Antonio Conte has not included Mario Balotelli in his squad to face Spain and Germany later this month.
Conte, who has been heavily linked with the managerial position at Chelsea, has named a new-look squad for Italy's upcoming friendlies.
Brazil-born Napoli midfielder Jorginho and Fiorentina striker Federico Bernardeschi have both been called up for the first time. Thiago Motta has also been included after impressing for Paris Saint-Germain this season.
However Balotelli, who has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for the Azzurri, has not been selected.
The 25-year-old has struggled with injuries and poor form at AC Milan this season on loan from Liverpool, and his omission from Conte's squad will raise doubts over the striker's chances of playing at Euro 2016 this summer.
Italy host Spain in a friendly on Thursday at Udinese's Friuli Stadium before facing Germany at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena on March 29.
Conte has recently signaled his intention to quit his role with Italy after the upcoming tournament in France - further fueling speculation about a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Italian federation president Carlo Tavecchio confirmed Conte's plans to move into club football later this year.
"Antonio Conte has told me that at the end of the European championship, his job will end," he said. "He feels the need for the pitch, the everyday training, and this is something you can understand."
