Maverick striker Mario Balotelli’s dismal start to 2018/19 will force long-term mentor Roberto Mancini into dumping him from this month’s Italy squad, according to reports.

Balotelli, 28, has failed to score during 211 minutes in Ligue 1 since he re-signed with Nice. He was also wretched for the Azzurri during last month’s 1-1 draw with Poland in the Nations League.

Corriere dello Sport have stated that such form, plus reported issues with fitness, means the attacker will not be selected in the squad that plays Ukraine on October 10 and Poland on October 14.

Mancini handed Balotelli his debut for Internazionale in 2007, signed him for Manchester City in 2010 and ended a three-and-a-half-year exile from the national set-up last May.