Balotelli shows no positive signs, says Italian head coach Ventura

Mario Balotelli, featuring for Ligue 1 side Nice this season, has not shown positive signs, said Italian national team head coach Gian Piero Ventura at its training base on Wednesday.

"Up until now I haven't seen positive signs (from Balotelli)," Ventura told media, adding that the talented and controversial striker needed to make some changes in his attitude.

Balotelli last played for the Azzurri at the 2014 World Cup, before his career has suffered a slump since then.

Things began to change for him when he transferred to the French club Nice this season. His nine league goals so far seemed to pave a smooth path back to the national side, further demonstrated by Ventura's pledge last month to have a face-to-face discussion with Balotelli for the player's behavioural problem.

However, after Balotelli was shown his third red card of the season for verbally attacking match referee last weekend, he may expect it tougher to return to the national team.

"There's no doubt about his talent, while it proves that he needs to make some changes, so let's see," commented the Italian head coach. Endit