MARIO BALOTELLI says he would have ‘made everyone’ take the knee if he was in Italy’s Euro 2020 squad.
Roberto Mancini’s men did not take an official stance on the anti-racism gesture before the tournament.
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Some players have knelt out of solidarity with the opposition, while others have chosen to stand.
And the issue has caused a big debate back home.
However, former Italy international Balotelli, 30, has made his stance clear.
The Monza striker scored 14 goals in 36 games for his country.
And Balotelli insists if he had been selected by Mancini for this summer’s Euros, he would have made the entire Italy squad take the knee before each match.
Responding to fans on a social media Q&A, Balotelli was asked if Italy’s stance would be different had he been selected.
The former Man City and Liverpool star said: “Of course I would have taken the knee.
“And I would have made everyone else do the same.”
Italy became the second team to reach the Euro semis, setting up a clash with Spain after beating Belgium 2-1 last night.
Goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne sealed victory at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
And a place in the final at Wembley awaits if Italy can get past Spain.
However, Leonardo Spinazzola will play no part after rupturing his Achilles last night.
The Roma left-back has been one of the tournament’s star players but will be replaced by Chelsea’s Emerson for Tuesday’s Spain clash.
One man who should be OK to feature is Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who made a miracle recovery from an ‘injury’ to celebrate Italy’s opener against Belgium.
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