Italy defender Andrea Barzagli claims that international team-mate Mario Balotelli is a superior player to Santos star Neymar.
The Juventus stopper says he believes Balotelli has a better chance of being the player of the 2014 World Cup than Neymar.
This comes after the AC Milan striker earned Italy a 2-2 draw with a sensational strike from 30 yards.
“Who seems to be more ready to become the star at the next World Cup? For me, Balotelli is more ready, because he already has had important experiences,” the Juventus stopper said.
“Neymar is a phenomenon and only lacks European experience to be the best, but as I mentioned, Balotelli is proving to be more ready at this point.”
Following their credible draw, the Azzurri now travel to Malta for their World Cup qualifier, and Barzagli has called for the squad to maintain similar focus against the relative European minnows.
“We did well against Brazil, but now we need to keep up that attitude against Malta,” the 2006 World Cup winner insisted.
“It will be a difficult match, and we cannot afford to lose momentum for the three points then.”
Source: Zee News
