Mario Balotelli has spoken to Roberto Mancini personally as he is dreaming of a call-up for Italy for their World Cup qualification play-offs.

“I feel good, and ready to return to the national team. It would be a dream for me. If I knew that I would be called up for next March, I would walk all the way from Turkey.

“I have always had an excellent relationship with Roberto Mancini. He just has to tell me what he wants from me if I am to return to the Italy side.

“And I will do it. I have spoken to him recently. Mancini hasn’t called on me as he knows my potential, and I am not yet at the level required.

“I want to be in peak condition. I could play with everybody. I can take penalties, and everyone dreams of being a striker for his national team.”