Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza insists Liverpool ace Mario Balotelli can return to the Italy squad.
Zaza has stood up for Balotelli after he was criticised by former Liverpool stars this week.
"In the national team there's always room for strong players," Zaza has told the Gazzetta di Parma.
"Mario is one of those. I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting him, but I hope to bump into him soon.
"My goal is to stay in the national team and continue playing for Italy."
