Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza has welcomed the Italy selection of Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli.
Balotelli had not been selected in either of Antonio Conte's first two Italy squads.
"I think Balotelli is a champion, I'm glad the Coach has called him, so I can get to know him," Zaza said.
"It's true that his arrival will increase competition, but I'm not worried, because Italy comes before everything else.
"We're all good lads, and the competition will only help the team.
"I knew Balotelli would be called-up, because he's one of the best Italian players. He was going through a tough spell, but I knew he'd be back.
"I don't have anything to say to him, [except] I hope to get to know him and we become good friends."
