Six minutes is all it took Mario Balotelli to make his mark on his Genoa debut. The 34-year-old didn’t score or contribute to a goal, but introduced himself in the most Balotelli way possible – with a needless yellow card. The Italian forward has been trouble everywhere he has been in his career, but his talent is undeniable.
Genoa are counting on that talent shining through in their fight against relegation from Serie A this season. Alberto Gilardino’s side had lost six of their 10 league games, winning just one, before Balotelli’s arrival, scoring just seven goals in the process. The Red and Blues need more goal threat and they have gambled on Balotelli providing it.
Balotelli’s career has drifted these last few years. Since he last played in Italy – for Monza when they were in Serie B – the forward has had two spells in Turkey with Adana Demirspor and a stint with Sion in Switzerland, yet he has continued to score goals. Even at 34, Balotelli could conjure up some of the old magic back in his homeland.
Gilardino’s system could be set up for Balotelli to fit in well. The former Azzurri forward who played alongside Balotelli for the national team has favoured two forwards in a 3-5-2 shape this season which could give the former Inter and Manchester City striker the support he needs to focus on taking up good positions inside the box.
Throughout his career, Balotelli has frequently played his best football when paired with a strike partner. At Inter, he had the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Diego Milito to bounce off with Sergio Agüero a partner for Balotelli at Manchester City. Andrea Pinamonti and Vitinha could be one of these figures at Genoa.
“Mario has arrived with really great motivation,” said Gilardino when asked about the contribution Balotelli could make this season. “I’ve spoken a lot with him. He’s a guy who must be protected in everything. I’ve been able to talk a lot with him. I know what he can give us, but as I’ve previously said, he can’t solve all the problems on his own.”
Now into the twilight years of his career, Balotelli won’t get another opportunity to make up for lost time as good as this one. The circumstances of his latest move are far from perfect. Not only are Genoa fighting relegation, the club has been up for sale by an ownership group that has frozen funds in the transfer market. There is growing tension between Genoa’s decision makers and the fans.
Nonetheless, the spotlight is back on Balotelli in a ‘Big Five’ league and there’s every chance he could perform. He was never particularly reliant on pace, so his technical ability could be something Gilardino uses to give Genoa more guile in the final third. The finishing instincts are still there too. One way or another, Balotelli being back in Serie A will draw eyeballs.
Fitness could be a barrier to Balotelli turning around Genoa’s fortunes. The 34-year-old likely would have been offered a contract extension by his last club Adana Demirspor had it not been for a knee injury which seriously hampered his 203/24 campaign. Balotelli averaged just under two goals a game in the Turkish SüperLig last season, but featured in only 16 matches. Genoa won’t get much out of their new signing if they can’t get him on the pitch.
Balotelli’s final appearance for Adana also saw him shown a first half red card, hinting at something else that could prevent the forward from making an impact in Serie A this season – his temperament. The forward has been sent off for seven different teams over the course of his career. Genoa will be praying he doesn’t make it eight.
And yet for all his notable discretions, Balotelli is a player who charms supporters. Fans gathered outside Genoa’s training ground to welcome him on his first day at the club. Even managers who have been wronged by Balotelli in the past speak about him warmly – ask Roberto Mancini or José Mourinho about him and they’ll talk like a father figure.
Balotelli has overcome significant adversity in his career and personal life. Born to Ghanian immigrants in Sicily, he was placed into foster care at the age of three. After breaking through at Inter as a teenager, Balotelli frequently suffered racist abuse. Some have never accepted the striker – born and raised in Italy – as Italian due to the colour of his skin. In many ways, he has risen above these things to have a career at the top level.
No matter what happens at Genoa between now and the end of the season, Balotelli’s career will always be looked at ruefully. He had the potential to be one of the best players in the world. He should have been the defining Italian talent of his generation, but never had the attitude to make good on that promise. He could have achieved so much more.
At Genoa, though, Balotelli could have an unexpected renaissance. Saving The Red and Blues from relegation would make him a hero at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and also highlight the positive qualities of a player who has captivated an entire generation of fans in one way or another. Having famously asked ‘why always me?’ all those years ago, Balotelli might be about to provide one final answer.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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