Balotelli: A Big Name Still on the Market

On the subject of Mario Balotelli, Sticca admitted he has been taken aback by the lack of serious pursuit from Australian clubs.

“When an opportunity like Mario Balotelli comes … I’m actually a bit surprised at the lack of aggression in clubs cuing up to try and get him. I would say it’s almost been half-hearted, the little bit of interest that I have got,” he said.

With the Italian striker still weighing up options abroad, Sticca stressed that time is running out.

“In the next couple of days we have to make a decision. He’s got opportunities elsewhere, his management in Italy have been very good and very understanding.”

Balotelli has even been encouraged by a familiar face from Italian football - Alessandro Diamanti.

“Diamanti said, ‘You’ve got to come here; you’ll love it,’” Sticca revealed, noting that Balotelli is “quite inammorato with the idea of coming here, but at the end of the day someone actually has to put a piece of paper in front of him.”

Sticca admitted he has faced scepticism from some quarters.

“I had one person say to me, ‘Lou, you think Balotelli’s a big name? Do you think he could work here in Australia?’ When he said that to me, I just wanted to ring up Italy and say, ‘Don’t worry about it – we’re wasting our time.’”

For Sticca, the appeal of Balotelli is undeniable.

“Mario Balotelli’s played in England; he cuts across a lot of different markets,” Sticca explained.

“Yes, he is crazy; yes, he has had a spectacular, controversial career, but that’s exactly why people will go to watch – because the expectation that he could do something crazy. He could score a goal from 40 metres, or he could walk off the ground.”

Juventus Eyeing Australia in 2026

Sticca also revealed that Juventus could be on their way to Australia in just over a year’s time.

“Juventus have given me their mandate to come out in 2026. I’m talking to governments at the moment about Juventus … to get their support.”

Such a visit would mark another milestone in bringing elite European football to Australian shores, following the successful tours of clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and AC Milan in recent years.

Serie A and the Broadcasting Battle

Beyond players and tours, Sticca also touched on the growing broadcasting battle for global football. He believes Serie A could be the next big acquisition for Australian television.

“I actually predict, after the success of Channel 9 and [their deal with] the English Premier League, I would not be surprised to see one of the other major channels carry Serie A,” he said.

According to Sticca, the EPL’s success has shifted the conversation among networks.

“The success of Channel 9 and the EPL is making everyone else wake up and think, ‘Wow, what’s the next league that we need to secure?’

“Secure Serie A,” he said.