Chris Smalling Taunts Mario Balotelli, Wanted Italy vs. England 'Round 2'

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has spoken about his flashpoint with Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli during the Red Devils’ recent 2-1 win at Anfield.

The pair became embroiled in a battle as they chased the ball toward the sideline, which saw the Italian striker clatter into the advertising boards. Balotelli cast a steely glare Smalling’s way and was subsequently held back by Liverpool supporters in the front row.

But ahead of England's upcoming friendly with Italy, the United man insisted that he’s happy to frustrate strikers and is disappointed he won’t be going up against Balotelli—who was left out of Antonio Conte’s Azzurri squad—when their respective countries meet in Turin on Tuesday, per David Hynter of the Guardian:

If you’re doing your job and not giving the striker much of a chance he’ll probably get angry and Balotelli is someone who can lose his temper very quickly.

I’m happy to see them get frustrated. I thought that it could be round two on Tuesday but I’ve seen that he’s not in the squad. We’ll have to wait for that.

While Balotelli’s frustration at not being a Liverpool regular has been evident in glimpses throughout this season, Smalling is a player who has quietly put together a steady campaign under the tutelage of Louis van Gaal. He’s still a little erratic in terms of fundamental defensive duties, but his dynamism brings plenty to the United back line.

However, as noted by Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, Smalling’s future with the Red Devils remains a doubt, given his deal with United will expire next summer:

According to Simon Rice of The Independent, Arsenal are interested in the defender. In the case of new adversary Balotelli, the Italian's long-term prospects at Anfield remain a topic for debate, with Simon Jones of the MailOnline claiming that the Reds will listen to offers for the controversial striker.

So while it seems likely these two players will continue to cross each other’s path throughout their careers, it could feasibly be the last time they do so against the backdrop of English football’s biggest rivalry. If that proves to be the case, perhaps then they’ll be a little more amicable to each other if they become entangled again.