Italy striker Mario Balotelli is reportedly close to sealing a return to Serie A. Balotelli, 34, has played in 11 different clubs in what has been an illustrious career, including top teams in Italian and English football including Milan, Inter, Manchester City and Liverpool. The former prodigy has moved around quite a bit since 2016, playing last for Turkish side Adana Demirspor where he scored seven goals in 16 Super Lig appearances.
The former Italian champion became a free agent in the summer and has not found a definite deal with any side. That might change soon, however, according to reports. The striker who last played in Italy three years ago for Monza in Serie B may be on his way to Genoa. Balotelli, who netted five times in 12 Serie B appearances for Monza, is reported to be in contact with the Rossoblu coach Alberto Gilardino. The coach is looking to bolster his team’s attack, and it seems Balotelli may be interested. However, negotiations are expected to remain ongoing in the coming days.
Gilardino and Balotelli are former teammates, having both featured together for the Azurri between 2010 and 2013. The former Milan striker took over as Genoa coach in 2022 but has seen his team struggle in the final third this season. The Rossoblu held Inter to a draw in Week 2, scoring twice. However, they have only scored twice more in the five games that followed, highlighting their struggle to find the back of the net. None of Gilardino’s men has been on the scoresheet more than once this season, including strikers Vitinha and Andrea Pinamonti.
The addition of Balotelli is expected to improve Genoa’s offence, with the former Premier League champion bringing with him a wealth of Italian top-flight experience. Balotelli came through the Inter youth ranks, breaking into the Nerazzuri first team in 2007 and winning the Serie A. He moved to the Premier League afterwards, playing in Man City for Italian boss Roberto Mancini. He featured for Italy in the 2012 Euros Championship where he was a joint topscorer with three goals, two of which came in a crucial semi-final game against Germany.
