Mario Balotelli was left off of the Italy squad for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches, but coach Antonio Conte reiterated that the door is still open for the striker.

Conte said in an interview that he just wants Balotelli to settle down with his new club, which is the main reason why he decided to omit the Liverpool striker from the national squad.

The Azzurri coach insisted, though, that like any other Italian player, Balotelli will be given a fair chance when he makes his selection in their next matches.

"He's started down a new path and let's give him time to settle into his new surroundings," Conte said via ESPN FC. "It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool. We're following him, like we're following all of our players abroad. My job is to call people up, not to rule people out."

Balotelli has yet to find his rhythm since making a move from AC Milan to Liverpool. The 24-year-old striker has failed to score a goal in five Barclays Premier League matches.

Conte also defended his decision to include Graziano Pelle in the squad, saying that the 29-year-old deserves a spot in the squad. The Southampton FC forward has already tallied four goals and one assist in seven Barclays Premier League games.

"Pelle deserved to be called up in all aspects," Conte said. "He's becoming a star in the Premier League and we're curious to see him close up to be able to evaluate him. It's up to him to show that he deserves his place in the national team."

Conte also played down speculations that the squad will not be as united as before after Italian clubs Juventus and Roma engaged in a heated matchup on Sunday. Six Juventus players and two Roma players were named to the Azzurri squad, but Conte said that there will be no tension within the team.

"The league closes here, we're thinking exclusively about the Azzurri shirts," Conte said. "It's inevitable that when you are up against each other in the league, you're trying to beat your rivals and you do all you can to win, but as soon as you join the national team, you are united under one flag."

Italy, who started their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Norway, will face Azerbaijan on Friday and Malta on Monday.

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