An inspired reunion or an act of desperation? That was the debate in Italy at the end of January, as Mario Balotelli returned to the Azzurri set-up for a training camp ahead of March's crucial World Cup play-offs.
It is the latest chapter in the striker's tempestuous relationship with manager Roberto Mancini, who has acted as a father figure on some occasions and a despairing disciplinarian at others.
Yet with Ciro Immobile, Moise Kean and Andrea Belotti scoring just five goals between them in Italy's bid to reach Qatar, the manager is ready to take another gamble on Balotelli.
His place in Mancini's squad for March isn't necessarily assured yet, but with eight goals in his first 19 Turkish League games for new club Adana Demirspor, Balotelli has earned one more shot at being an hero.
