BALOTELLI IS PUSHING FOR THE PASSION

ITALY v ISRAEL

- BY NEIL MCLEMAN

MARIO BALOTELLI has accused Italy players of playing “without that desire to defend the nation's jersey" as they seek to seal a World Cup playoff spot tonight.

The Azzurri, who take on third-placed Israel, have been chasing Norway in Group I since a 3-0 defeat in Oslo in June.

And unless Norway fail to beat Estonia at home next month, Italy will not even overtake them with two wins from their remaining games.