Leonardo Bonucci insists Mario Balotelli is still welcome in the Italy squad , despite the striker 's poor form for Liverpool this season . Balotelli was not selected by Italy manager Antonio Conte for Saturday 's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria and Tuesday 's friendly against England . Juventus defender Bonucci is aware Balotelli is struggling on Merseyside but acknowledges the 24-year-old can benefit the current Italy squad ; if he works hard for the team . Liverpool frontman Mario Balotelli was not selected in Italy 's squad to face Bulgaria and England this week . Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci insists Balotelli is still welcome in the Italy squad . Bonucci told reporters : 'Mario is not in a good period of his career . However , he was an asset in the last European Championship . 'He 's welcome in this team but he has to be part of our group . This team is devoted to hard work . ' Balotelli joined Liverpool from Italian side AC Milan in the summer but has scored just once in the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers ' side . The former Manchester City star has not featured for Italy since last summer 's World Cup in Brazil . Balotelli shoots and scores during Italy 's 2-1 victory over Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 in Poland .
Leonardo Bonucci has not featured for Italy since last summer 's World Cup . Mario Balotelli insists Balotelli is still welcome in the Italy squad . The striker has managed just one Premier League goal for Liverpool .