Mario Balotelli: Italy's Last World Cup Goalscorer Amidst Azzurri's Qualification Struggles
Mario Balotelli's strike against England on June 14, 2014, continues to hold a poignant place in Italian football history, marking the Azzurri's most recent goal at a FIFA World Cup. Following Italy's latest setback—a disheartening penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial play-off final—the former Inter striker reaffirmed his national pride, stating, "Proud to be Italian, always and no matter what."
This defeat signifies a third consecutive failure for Italy to qualify for the prestigious global tournament, a stark period for a nation with a rich World Cup heritage. The Azzurri's last appearance on the grand stage was in 2014, where their journey ended in the group phase after competing against England, Costa Rica, and Uruguay.
That campaign began with a promising 2-1 victory over the Three Lions, featuring goals from Claudio Marchisio and Balotelli himself. However, subsequent 1-0 losses to Costa Rica and Uruguay led to their early elimination, with both opponents advancing to the Round of 16.
Reflecting on Italy's current predicament, Balotelli, now 35 and playing for UAE club Al-Ittifaq, shared his sentiments on Instagram. Alongside images from his 2014 World Cup participation, the ex-Inter, Milan, and Manchester City forward reiterated his unwavering loyalty: "Proud to be Italian, always and no matter what." His winning goal against England remains a bittersweet memory, standing as a testament to the Azzurri's past presence and a stark reminder of their recent absence from the World Cup finals.
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