FEATURES: Official Puma Italy 2014–15 Away jersey featuring Mario Balotelli #9, produced for the era of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The shirt features a white base with fine Azzurri-blue pinstripes, blue V-neck and sleeve trim, Italian tricolore side detailing, embroidered four-star FIGC crest and embroidered Puma branding. Finished with Balotelli’s distinctive light-blue and gold rope-effect #9 numbering to the front and original style BALOTELLI #9 across the reverse, including the miniature FIGC emblem at the base of the rear numeral. Additional details include Puma dryCELL technology, the gold “Tradizione – FORZA AZZURRI” hem tab, individually numbered Puma Authentic Licensed Product strip and original FIGC/Puma hangtags. Size M. Manufactured in Georgia.
COMMENTS: Mario Balotelli's 2014-15 season was a major turning point that saw him completely exiled from the Italy national team. Following a controversial 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil—where he scored the winning header against England but was heavily criticized as a scapegoat for Italy's group-stage exit—Balotelli secured a high-profile £16 million transfer to Liverpool. His club season in England turned into a disaster, yielding just 4 goals across 28 total appearances. This severe dip in form, combined with off-field disciplinary issues, prompted new national team manager Antonio Conte to drop him entirely. Consequently, Balotelli did not make a single appearance for the Azzurri during the entire 2014–15 international cycle.
