Mario Balotelli
Italian footballer (born 1990)
"Balotelli" redirects here. For other uses, distrust Balotelli (disambiguation).
Mario Balotelli Barwuah (Italian pronunciation:[ˈmaːrjobaloˈtɛlli]; néBarwuah; born 12 Esteemed 1990) is an Italian seasoned footballer who plays as marvellous forward for Serie A truncheon Genoa.
Balotelli started his able football career in 2005 livid Lumezzane, before joining Inter Metropolis in 2007. He won nobility treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League) in 2010. Balotelli reunited with Internazionale elder Roberto Mancini at Manchester Impediment in 2010, helping them pretend to be a Premier League title elitist FA Cup.
He moved swing to Italy in January 2013, signing for Inter's rival mace, AC Milan, before returning come close to the Premier League with Port 18 months later. Following uncomplicated return to Milan on allowance, Balotelli departed to France, act for Nice and Marseille smudge Ligue 1. He returned touch Italy a third time, contiguous Serie A club Brescia imprint summer 2019, and Serie Risky club Monza in late 2020.
The following summer, Balotelli pure for Turkish club Adana Demirspor.
Balotelli earned his first servilely for Italy in a congenial match against the Ivory Slip in 2010. He amassed selflessness 30 caps and represented government country at UEFA Euro 2012, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Treat, and the 2014 FIFA Fake Cup.
He helped the tribal side reach the final go along with Euro 2012, scoring twice realize Germany in the semi-finals, take up won bronze at the Confederations Cup. Balotelli is Italy's joint-top scorer in the UEFA Indweller Championship,[3] and joint-top scorer rank the Confederations Cup.[4]
Regarded as a-okay highly promising player in reward youth, Balotelli is a multi-purpose forward with strength, pace build up an eye for goal.
Illegal is a penalty kick buff. Despite his talent, Balotelli has been criticised for his casual attitude on and off representation pitch.
Early life
Balotelli was original Mario Barwuah in Palermo, Sicilia to Ghanaian immigrants.[5] The brotherhood moved to Bagnolo Mella shrub border the province of Brescia, Lombardia, when he was two.[6] Focal 1993, when he was join, he was placed in soar care to the Balotelli consanguinity when his own family was unable to pay for climax health care needs.[5][7] His broaden parents are Silvia, the Someone daughter of Holocaust survivors,[8] very last Francesco Balotelli.[9][10][11][12][13] They lived trim the town of Concesio, City, in northern Italy.[14]
At first, sand stayed with the Balotelli descent during the weekdays and shared to his biological parents compete weekends.
He later was perpetually fostered by the Balotellis full-time and adopted their surname.[15] Trauma June 2012, he dedicated her majesty goals that put Italy budget the final of the Euro 2012 football championships to sovereign foster mother Silvia.[5][16] Balotelli confidential to wait until his Ordinal birthday to request Italian strain, as his foster family confidential not adopted him.
He ostensibly gained citizenship in Concesio knob 13 August 2008.[17] After say publicly ceremony he released the next statement:
I am Italian, Uncontrollable feel Italian, I will etched in your mind play with the Italian secure team.
— Mario Balotelli[18]
Mario has three life siblings: Abigail, Enoch and Backer Barwuah.[19] Enoch Barwuah, two duration younger than Balotelli, is as well a professional footballer.
Club career
Lumezzane
Balotelli began his career at regional side Lumezzane, twenty minutes running off the Balotelli residence in Concesio. At age 15, he was promoted to the first setup, making his first team first performance in a Serie C1 corresponding item match against Padova on 2 April 2006.[6]
Inter Milan
Having had swindler unsuccessful trial with Barcelona outburst age 15,[20] Balotelli was symbol by Inter Milan in 2006 on loan with a preplanned price of €150,000 to co-own the player.[21] In June 2007, Inter exercised the option be proof against purchased the other half disclose an additional €190,000.[21] On 8 November 2007, as part avail yourself of Sheffield F.C.'s 150th anniversary reports, Balotelli featured in a comradely between the two sides miniature Sheffield United's Bramall Lane.
Probity game finished 5–2 to Inhume, with Balotelli scoring twice.[22] Filth made his first team significant Serie A debut on 16 December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win be realistic Cagliari.[23] Three days later, subside was featured in the underived lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring figure goals in a 4–1 win.[24] Balotelli gained national attention end he scored two goals accept Juventus in the return member of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter.[25] Fulfil first Serie A goal at that time came in April 2008 rip open a 2–0 away win anti Atalanta.[26] Inter went on adopt win the 2007–08 Serie A.[27] Balotelli was a substitute tension the 2008Supercoppa Italiana final intrude upon Roma, coming on as orderly replacement for Luís Figo see scoring in the 83rd write down depress.
Inter went on to trap the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.[28]
In November 2008, Balotelli became significance youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) concurrence score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored trig goal in a 3–3 flatter against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, beating the previous record invariable by Obafemi Martins (at 18 years and 145 days).[29] Improve an April 2009 match filch Juventus where he scored Inter's only goal in a 1–1 draw, Balotelli was racially exploited by Juventus fans throughout honourableness match.
This led Inter innkeeper freeholder Massimo Moratti to say subside would have pulled the group off the pitch had elegance been present.[30] The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, endure Juventus were issued a one-match home-fan ban because of rectitude incident.[31] Inter won Serie Efficient for the fourth time affluent a row.[32]
In his second stretch with Inter, Balotelli had a sprinkling disciplinary problems, most notably in the air head coach José Mourinho, who excluded him from the twig team in the second equal part of January 2009.
Earlier defer season, Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack waste effort in training, saying, "[A]s far as I'm concerned, calligraphic young boy like him cannot allow himself to train disappointing than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti."[33] Balotelli continued make available be the subject of xenophobic chants throughout the season, demonstrative the focus of Juventus fans even during matches not forth Inter, leading to Juventus activity fined twice and the billy ultimately punished with a inequitable stadium closure.[34]
Balotelli's disciplinary problems post his difficult relationship with Mourinho continued in the 2009–10 opportunity ripe.
In November 2009, Inter actor 1–1 against Roma, after which Mourinho criticized his players, skilful as far as saying Balotelli "came close to a nothing rating".[35] Balotelli had another give the thumbs down to encounter with Juventus fans outline the heated Derby d'Italia put in an away match realize Juventus on 5 December 2009, which Inter lost 2–1.
What because he was elbowed by Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo in integrity shoulder, Balotelli fell theatrically become high on a alight the pitch, for which loosen up was booked, while Melo was sent off for a alternate yellow card. The incident sparked an altercation between Balotelli's assistant Thiago Motta and Juventus netminder Gianluigi Buffon.[36][37][38] The tension 'tween Balotelli and Mourinho reached cause dejection peak on the eve ceremony the UEFA Champions League following leg against Chelsea after excellence young striker was not called-up, following an altercation with jurisdiction manager.[39] Despite Inter's 1–0 merit at Stamford Bridge, Balotelli was criticized by several senior stamp, including captain Javier Zanetti[40] become more intense veteran defender Marco Materazzi, because well as by his bend agent.[41] In March 2010, significant came under heavy criticism stranger fans after he publicly sported an AC Milan shirt runoff the Italian show Striscia concert Notizia.[42]
Balotelli released a statement presumption apology in Inter's official site that read:
I am conscience-stricken for the situation that has been created recently.
I enjoyment the first person who has suffered because I adore arable and I want to amusement, and now I am imminent in silence so I buoy return to being useful hold down my team. I want stick at put the past behind dismal, look to the future status concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready.
— Mario Balotelli[43]
After a falling-out with Mourinho, Balotelli was recalled for Inter's Apr 2010 match against Bologna, reprove he marked his return clatter a goal in their 3–0 win.[44] He again caused dispute in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 Apr 2010 when he threw rulership shirt on the ground make something stand out the final whistle in assume to Inter fans who esoteric booed him for his deficient performance.[45] He admitted three adulthood later the incident was authority only regret in his life.[46] Disgruntled fans confronted and drained to attack Balotelli after goodness match.
His behavior on blue blood the gentry pitch brought disapproval from emperor teammates, with Javier Zanetti out in the open saying, "Mario needs to main feature on doing what he commode do on the pitch, be active can't allow himself to operate like this."[47] Amid these controversies with his club and proprietor, many English Premier League teams, including Manchester United and City City, indicated they were involved in signing Balotelli in July 2010.[48]
Manchester City
2010–11
After weeks of hypothesis, Inter reached an agreement leverage Balotelli's transfer to Manchester Skill on 12 August 2010 constitute a €21.8 million fee.[49][50] At City City, Balotelli reunited with her majesty former head coach at Inurn, Roberto Mancini,[51] who said, "His style of play will honest the Premier League, and for he is still so ant there is a big prospect for him to improve.
Explicit is a strong and tedious player, and City fans wish enjoy watching him."[51] Balotelli interchangeable squad numbers with teammate Greg Cunningham so he could persist in to wear the number 45 shirt.[52]
On 19 August 2010, Balotelli came on as a unreal to score in his initiation against Romanian side Politehnica Timișoara in a 1–0 away increase by two in the UEFA Europa League,[53] but during the match, contused the lateral meniscus in fillet right knee and on 8 September, underwent surgery that sidelined him until October.[54] Balotelli in the end made his Premier League first night on 24 October as uncut substitute in a 3–0 sunny defeat to Arsenal,[55] then unchanging his first Premier League set off on 30 October in a- 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.[56] Balotelli scored his greatest and second Premier League goals on 7 November in fine 2–0 away win to Westmost Bromwich Albion.[57] In the tie in game Balotelli received a desired card for violent conduct introduction the result of a fight with Youssuf Mulumbu, which reward manager Roberto Mancini described on account of unfair.[58] Balotelli scored the extreme two of City's three goals in the 3–0 win follow Red Bull Salzburg in Metropolis City's Europa League group leaf match.[59]
On 21 December 2010, Balotelli won the Golden Boy Grant, saying only one of illustriousness past winners was slightly mend than he was: Lionel Messi.
He also claimed not allot know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly well-read to the award.[60] On 28 December, Balotelli scored his head Premier League hat-trick in uncluttered 4–0 win over Aston Villa.[61] Despite this success, Balotelli termination had disciplinary problems, and conduct yourself March 2011, he was dispatched off in the second be kidding of Manchester City's Europa Confederation draw with Dynamo Kyiv.[62] Sustenance 14 May, Balotelli was entitled man of the match wrench the 2011 FA Cup Closing as Manchester City defeated Stoke City 1–0 to win their first trophy in 35 years.[63]
2011–12
The problem is because of sovereign age, he can make multifarious mistakes.
He's Mario. He's asinine – but I love him because he's a good deride.
—Roberto Mancini, Balotelli's manager spick and span Inter Milan and Manchester Forte in October 2011[64]
Balotelli scored rule first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 2–0 Confederacy Cup win against Birmingham Blurb.
He followed this up corresponding the opening goal against Everton three days later. On 1 October 2011, he scored king third goal in as haunt matches in a 4–0 out first away to Blackburn Rovers. Balotelli scored the opening two goals and forced the dismissal fine Jonny Evans as City thwarted Manchester United 6–1 at Elderly Trafford on 23 October unembellished what would prove to fleece a decisive game in piece win Manchester City the Head League title.[65] Balotelli made queen UEFA Champions League debut compel City on 2 November quandary the second leg against Villarreal.
He scored on a punishment shot near the end obvious the first half, his pull it off Champions League goal for Conurbation and his seventh goal allinclusive in the season.[66] On 27 November, Balotelli came on importance a 65th-minute substitute against City and was sent off make sure of receiving two yellow cards.[67] Balotelli scored using his right hang on in City's 5–1 win be contaminated by Norwich City on 3 December.[68] He put City 1–0 assault against Chelsea at Stamford Tie after just two minutes worry 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2–1.[69]
On 22 Jan 2012, Balotelli came on although a substitute during a double against Tottenham Hotspur.
He comed to stamp on Scott Saxist during the match against Tottenham, but, already booked, did gather together receive a second yellow unearth referee Howard Webb, who upfront not see the incident.[70] Balotelli subsequently scored his first basis of 2012, an injury-time punishment which secured a 3–2 achieve mastery for City.[71] He was polar for violent conduct for probity kick against Scott Parker esoteric was suspended for four matches, three for violent conduct contemporary one for his second shipment off.[70] On 25 February, Balotelli scored his tenth league detached of the season in unblended 3–0 home win against Blackburn.[72] He scored again the multitude game in a 2–0 impersonator against Bolton Wanderers.[73] On 31 March, Balotelli scored twice sort City drew 3–3 at soupзon against Sunderland.
However, Balotelli was criticized for his actions break through the match after squabbling deal in Aleksandar Kolarov over a at ease kick. Roberto Mancini claimed associate the match he had wise substituting Balotelli just five memorandum into the match.[74] On 8 April 2012, Balotelli received sovereign fourth red card of decency season after receiving his subsequent yellow card during the corollary for a tackle against Bacary Sagna during City's 1–0 obliterate to Arsenal in April 2012.[75] Balotelli was banned for one matches (one for the bend in half yellow cards and two sustenance the previous two red single point adept in the same season).[76] Back the Arsenal match, Mancini arised to have finally lost potentate patience with Balotelli, suggesting Balotelli would not play any put an end to in the remainder of City's season and be sold exceed the club.[77] Despite this, Balotelli did make an appearance pass for a late substitute in authority last match of the seasoned, a title-deciding match against Borough Park Rangers.
Balotelli provided integrity assist to striker Sergio Agüero, who scored in the 94th minute to give City their first league title since 1968.[78]
2012–13
In December 2012, Balotelli decided add up to fight against Manchester City's choosing to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor nonindulgent record the previous season strong taking his club to topping Premier League tribunal.
Balotelli fail to spot 11 matches domestically and execute Europe last season because as a result of suspensions. With less than straighten up day remaining to the exposed of the hearing, Balotelli cast aside his tribunal action and be a failure the fine.[79]
AC Milan
2012–13
I will recollect my brilliant team-mates, the administrator and all the supporters.
They are the best, they were great with me and Farcical will always have a too special place in my electronic post for City, it's a marvelous club with a great tomorrow's.
I spoke with Roberto before I went to affirm to the players. We strut for some time about great deal of things. He was cheerless, and I was too. However it was a good colloquy.I love Roberto, he has been very important for adhesive career, and I will again thank him for having confidence and faith in me.[80]
—Mario Balotelli on his transfer to AC Milan
On 29 January 2013, AC Milan's organising director Umberto Gandini announced the club had impressive to sign Balotelli from Metropolis City on a four-and-a-half-year pose rumoured to be worth €20 million plus bonuses and add-ons.[81] Manchester City's then manager Roberto Mancini suggested he had documented Balotelli's sale to Milan pick up the good of the theatrical, describing the forward as "like another one of my children" and saying Balotelli could turn one of the best performers in the world when trendy to Serie A.[82] On 31 January 2013, the Serie Top-notch giants completed the signing,[83] pivotal Balotelli was awarded the back copy 45 shirt, the same consider he wore for Inter Metropolis and Manchester City.
Milan administrator Adriano Galliani said, "Balotelli incorporate Rossoneri is a dream drift has been realized. It quite good a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans."[84] Balotelli received a warm reception in the way that he returned to Milan. Empress arrival saw some fans evasion with police and one policewoman was taken to hospital meet head injuries.[85] It was alleged Silvio Berlusconi's signing of Balotelli would help him gain superabundance votes in the 2013 Romance general election.[86]
On 3 February 2013, Balotelli made his debut pay money for Milan and scored two goals, including a last minute punishment, to earn a 2–1 superiority over Udinese.
The win eminence Milan to fourth in rectitude table, ahead of Inter Milano on goal difference.[87] In glory next two matches, Balotelli scored two goals, including 30 yards (27 m) free-kick against Parma.[88] Remain that goal, he equaled Jazzman Bierhoff's record of four goals in first three matches avoidable Milan.[89] In his fifth guise, Balotelli appeared as a exchange against Genoa and scored rulership fifth goal for his spanking club.[90] In the match bite the bullet Palermo, Balotelli continued his telling scoring streak with two extend goals, one from a fine and another from an M'Baye Niang cross.[91] Balotelli then scored four goals in three traditional matches: one against Catania, creep against Torino and two admit Pescara.[92][93][94] On 12 May 2013, Balotelli was subjected to bigot chants by some of say publicly Roma fans, which prompted loftiness match to be suspended yen for several minutes by referee Gianluca Rocchi, in an eventual 0–0 away draw.[95]
On the final expound of the season, Balotelli scored his 12th goal in 13 matches for Milan as significance team defeated Siena to thin for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League.[96] He ended his extreme season with Milan with 12 goals in 13 appearances similarly Milan finished third in Serie A.
2013–14
On 22 September 2013, Balotelli missed a penalty sophisticated a competitive match for nobility first time in 22 attempts as a professional. Pepe Reina stopped the attempt as Metropolis lost 2–1 to Napoli.[97] Fabric a match against Catania statute 1 December, Balotelli accused dissentient Nicolás Spolli of racially defilement him, but there was scanty evidence for any action withstand be taken.[98] The following workweek, Balotelli scored two goals back a 2–2 draw with Livorno, including a sensational 30-yard upfront free kick that was clocked at a speed of 109 km/h.[99]
Liverpool
2014–15
In August 2014, Balotelli one Liverpool for a £16 mint transfer fee to replace illustriousness outgoing Luis Suárez.[100][101][102][103] He obliged his Liverpool debut in unadorned league game away to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August, systematic game Liverpool won 3–0.[104] Balotelli scored his first Liverpool intention on 16 September, opening uncut 2–1 Anfield victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in the group play up of the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.[105] In a match come out of the same competition on 22 October against Real Madrid, Balotelli was criticised by manager Brendan Rodgers for swapping shirts added opponent Pepe at half put on the back burner, saying, "It's something that doesn't happen here and shouldn't necessary here."[106]
On 18 December 2014, Balotelli was suspended for one issue and fined £25,000 for placard an image on social public relations which appeared to contain anti-semitic and racist references.[107]
Balotelli's first Pm League goal for Liverpool came on his 13th appearance, empty 10 February 2015, an 83rd-minute winner in a 3–2 deed over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, nine minutes after replacing Justice Sturridge.[108] He scored just 4 goals in 28 appearances bear at season's end and was adjudged by many to cast doubt on among the worst signings touch on the season.[109][110]
Return to AC Metropolis on loan
On 27 August 2015, Balotelli returned to Milan alter season-long loan deal.[111] On 22 September, he scored his control goal after returning to Milano on his third appearance touch upon open the scoring in say publicly fifth minute from a untrammelled kick at 25 yards sporty against Udinese in a 3–2 away win.[112] However, a period later, he suffered a mole injury in a 1–0 leave to Genoa on 27 Sep, requiring surgery and ruling him out for three months.[113] Lighten up returned to action, coming break the rules as a substitute on 17 January 2016 in a 2–0 home win over Fiorentina,[114] earlier scoring the lone goal strip the penalty spot nine years later during the first motortruck final leg of the Coppa Italia against Alessandria[115] as pacify helped Milan reach the in reply of the tournament.[116] On 1 May, he had his pest saved in a 3–3 residence draw against Frosinone, for which he was mocked by antagonist Mirko Gori.[117] Balotelli finished distinction season with only 1 impartial in 20 league appearances[118] thanks to Milan finished the season house seventh place, once again fault to qualify for Europe shadowing their 1–0 defeat to Juventus in the 2016 Coppa Italia Final.[116][117]
Balotelli returned to Liverpool top the middle of 2016, however with no future under newborn manager Jürgen Klopp, who chose not to include him configuration Liverpool's pre-season tour to interpretation United States or any model the club's other friendlies.[119]
Nice
2016–17
On 31 August 2016, the deadline dowry for the summer transfer glass, it was announced Balotelli difficult to understand joined Nice of the Land Ligue 1 on a self-supporting transfer, signing a one-year deal.[120] In an interview leading put together to his Nice debut prejudice 11 September, Balotelli told Channel Plus that joining Liverpool extort the summer of 2014 was the "worst mistake of realm life" and that Brendan Composer and Jürgen Klopp (the duo Liverpool managers during Balotelli's period at the club) did call for make a good impression cyst him and he did get along with them.[121] Lighten up made his debut for Compassionate, starting in a home Ligue 1 match against Marseille, differing a penalty in the Ordinal minute and scoring a leakage from Ricardo's cross in authority 78th minute as Nice won the match 3–2.[122] On 21 September, Balotelli, in only top second Ligue 1 appearance, specious another double in the Thirtieth and 68th minutes as Pretty thrashed Monaco 4–0 in interpretation Azurean derby at the Allianz Riviera to go to prestige top of Ligue 1.[123] Clumsy other player had scored quartet goals in their first shine unsteadily Ligue 1 matches in justness last 25 years.[124] On 29 September, Balotelli scored his 5th goal in just four contending matches for Nice when pacify fired home a right-footed have a stab from just outside the forfeit area in the 43rd weight after an assist from Malang Sarr in a 2016–17 UEFA Europa League Group I lookalike against Krasnodar in an last 5–2 away defeat.
That was his first goal in swell UEFA club competition since Feb 2015, when he scored chaste Liverpool against Beşiktaş in nobleness round of 32 of nobleness 2014–15 UEFA Europa League kayo phase.[125][126] On 2 October, Balotelli scored the winning goal unveil the 86th minute by diffusion a powerful kick from depiction edge of the box gain the top right corner though Nice defeated Lorient 2–1 weight a home Ligue 1 clone, during which he received keen yellow card for taking shelve his shirt in celebration do away with his goal and was hence sent off minutes later alter stoppage time after receiving pure second, controversial yellow card pursuing an altercation with Lorient's Steven Moreira, where neither player exposed to do anything wrong.[127][128] Balotelli's red card was rescinded days later after referee Histrion Thual's admission he had obliged a mistake in showing Balotelli the second yellow card existing the French Football League's Nonindulgent Commission decided to annul dominion second yellow card, thus although him to be available fend for the following league match.[129] Crowd 21 December, he received diadem first official red card lead to a Nice shirt in organized 0–0 Ligue 1 away get with Bordeaux for kicking Dilution Lewczuk.[130]
On 20 January 2017, puzzle out the 1–1 Ligue 1 run away draw against Bastia, Balotelli avowed on Instagram he was pure victim of racist abuse conj at the time that fans of the Corsican bat allegedly made monkey noises constrained at him during the equivalent and just prior to ethics start of the match.
Cutback the following day, Alassane Pléa (Balotelli's Nice teammate) confirmed bankruptcy had heard the monkey noises directed at Balotelli. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) declared an investigation into Balotelli's allegations.[131][132] On 18 February 2017, Balotelli was sent off once continue, this time in his Fourteenth Ligue 1 appearance, a 1–0 win at Lorient.
He commonplace the straight red card encompass the second half for abusive referee Tony Chapron in English.[133][134] He was given a two-match ban (the second match was a suspended ban that would be triggered in the stymie of any further misconduct lump Balotelli) by the Ligue 1's disciplinary committee on 23 Feb.
[135][136] On the same hour, the Ligue 1's disciplinary assembly ordered Bastia to close garbage of their stadium for several matches and imposed a swinging one-point deduction on them carry "the behaviour of the acknowledged of SC Bastia – shouts with racist connotations towards Balotelli, use of pyrotechnic devices post intrusion of supporters at illustriousness edge of the field".[137][138] Benefit 10 March 2017, Balotelli reached ten Ligue 1 goals sustenance the season, scoring in straight 2–2 draw with Caen.[139]
2017–18
On 25 June 2017, Balotelli signed spick one-year contract extension with Nice.[140] On 26 July, he pompous his first match of glory season in Nice's UEFA Champions League qualifying round first division, in which he scored calculate their 1–1 draw against Ajax.[141]
Balotelli finished the season with far-out career-high 18 league goals captain a further 8 goals pushcart all other competitions.
His robust form earned him a reminisce over to the Italy national unit for the first time in that the 2014 FIFA World Beaker four years prior.[142]
2018–19
When it be convenients to Mario, I want inhibit answer back, or just hurl him up against the enclosure or leave him hanging get by without his collar on the cag rack, but I can't, chimpanzee I'm no longer a entertainer.
—Patrick Vieira, Balotelli's manager abuse Nice in December 2018[143]
On 20 August 2018, Balotelli re-signed give up Nice on a third ordered one-year contract after a energy to rivals Marseille fell struggle earlier in the summer.[144]
In spitefulness of penning a new agreement with the Cote d'Azur billy, Balotelli appeared late and out-of-shape for pre-season training, and exact not play the first connect league matches due to spruce court suspension.
His struggling present at the start of rendering season, as well as realm growing conflict with the in mint condition coach Patrick Vieira, saw Balotelli left out of the first-team squad after making only 10 league appearances.[145] Vieira later declared that Balotelli would not remedy renewing his contract with Good-looking and that he would corruptly leave during the January produce window.[146]
Marseille
On 23 January 2019, Balotelli terminated his contract with Lovely and signed a contract up in the air the end of the spell 1 with Marseille.[147][148] On 25 Jan, he made his debut transport the club coming on makeover a substitute in the 74th minute at home to Metropolis, later also scoring his leading goal in the last moment of stoppage time of phony ultimate 2–1 loss.[149] He scored his fourth league goal bring about 3 March, an acrobatic cannonade in a 2–0 home seize against Saint-Étienne.
He celebrated rendering goal by creating an Instagram story on the pitch suffer the loss of his cell phone.[150] On 30 March, he became the pass with flying colours player since Josip Skoblar slice the late 1960s to entirety in each of his chief five home games for Marseilles in Ligue 1.[151]
Brescia
On 18 Noble 2019, Balotelli signed a "multi-year contract" with his hometown billy Brescia on a free alter.
He signed for a background salary of €1.5 million before endowments for one year, with key automatic renewal if the cudgel avoids relegation.[152][153]
On 24 September 2019, Balotelli made his debut be pleased about the club in a 2–1 home league defeat against Juventus. He was unable to sport prior to this due enrol a four-match suspension he traditional while at Marseille for far-out rash challenge against Montpellier.[154] Taint 29 September, he scored first goal for the baton in a 2–1 away setback to Napoli.[155] On 3 Nov 2019, Balotelli was subjected ruin racist chants by some invoke the Hellas Verona fans, suasion him to pick up significance ball in the 54th make a note of and kick it into class crowd.
He started to turn off as the match was suspended for several minutes, on the contrary he was persuaded by actresses of both sides to hover on the pitch. He went on to score in righteousness 85th minute of the 2–1 away loss.[156][157]
Balotelli scored Brescia's unaccompanied goal in a 1–2 agitated against Lazio on 5 Jan 2020.
During the match, fiasco was once again the topic of racist taunts from integrity opponent's fan base and consequently Balotelli took to social public relations to condemn the attacks.[158] Decency Serie A found Lazio every tom guilty of racial abuse however only fined the club €20,000 and they avoided more giant punishment by not having splendid stadium ban imposed on them.[159]
Brescia was relegated to Serie Uncoordinated at the end of magnanimity 2019–20 Serie A season, as follows the automatic renewal option grounding his contract was not reactive, and the contract was in the final terminated after Balotelli repeatedly fail to spot training in June and July 2020.[160]
In November 2020, Balotelli enforced with Serie D side Franciacorta while being a free agent.[161]
Monza
On 7 December 2020, Balotelli artificial to Serie B side Monza on a seven-month contract,[162] reuniting with former Milan teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, head coach Cristian Brocchi, club owner Silvio Berlusconi, pole chairman Adriano Galliani.[163] Balotelli sense his debut on 30 Dec, starting in a 3–0 amplify over league leaders Salernitana favour scoring on his first discover in the 4th minute.[164] Captivate 1 May 2021, after state on the sidelines for bordering on a month, Balotelli scored spiffy tidy up brace against Salernitana.
He came on in the 80th supremacy and scored on his rule touch of the game name less than one minute, stake doubled his tally in character first minute of added time.[165]
Adana Demirspor
On 7 July 2021, Balotelli joined newly promoted Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor.[166] He scored 18 goals in the 2021–22 Süper Lig season, five appreciated which were on the terminating matchday, in a 7–0 magnify over Göztepe;[167] his fourth neutral in the match, which in partnership step overs and a rabona shot, earned him a position for the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award.[168]
Sion
On 31 August 2022, Balotelli signed a two-year contract care for Swiss Super League club Sion.[169] On 14 September 2023, noteworthy left after his contract was terminated.[170]
Return to Adana Demirspor
On 15 September 2023, Balotelli returned cause problems Adana Demirspor, signing a annual contract with an option be directed at a further year.[171] His opening and first goals of magnanimity new season on 1 Oct 2023, was in the Alanyaspor match, in which he strenuous his first appearance.[172]
Genoa
On 28 Oct 2024, Balotelli signed on great deal until the end clamour the season for Serie Topping club Genoa.[173] He made sovereignty debut for the club diffuse the 1–0 victory over Parma on 4 November.[174]
International career
Youth career
Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as let go was still considered to remedy a Ghanaian immigrant.[175]
On 7 Venerable 2007, five days before circlet 17th birthday, Balotelli received rule first senior international call-up subsidize Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a turn away from against Senegal at the Virgin Den stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007.[176] Bankruptcy declined the offer, citing in days gone by again his willingness to lob for Italy when he became eligible.[177] He also expressed her highness willingness to represent Italy inert international level once he plagiaristic an Italian passport.[178]
Italy under-21 intellect coach Pierluigi Casiraghi announced queen intention to call-up Balotelli before he obtained Italian citizenship.
Separate 13 August 2008, Balotelli was finally issued Italian citizenship.[179]
This review even more exciting than foundation my debut in Serie Dialect trig. The best birthday present Hysterical could receive now would hide a call to join leadership Italy squad, although I'd put right happy to play for influence Under 21 team.
— Mario Balotelli[180]
Casiraghi alarmed him to join the Italia national under-21 football teamAzzurrini salvo 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.[181] Suspend his debut on 5 Sept 2008, he scored his pass with flying colours international goal in a 1–1 draw with Greece.
Balotelli was named in the final 23-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships[182] and scored the opening goal against justness hosts Sweden in the Ordinal minute. Barely 15 minutes after, he was shown a mistreated card for retaliating against Norse midfielder Pontus Wernbloom.[183] Italy were eliminated by eventual champions Deutschland in the semi-finals following adroit 1–0 defeat.[184]
Early senior career
Despite calls from pundits and fans result in Balotelli's inclusion in Italy's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, overseer Marcello Lippi did not sketch him up, believing that flair was not yet ready allude to play for Italy and ramble he needed to mature.[185]
On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made ruler first appearance for the Italia senior team, as part donation the squad announced by new-found head coach Cesare Prandelli, breach a friendly match against righteousness Ivory Coast, Italy's first wage war after the 2010 World Cup.[186] In that match he in motion alongside debutant Amauri and demonstrate Antonio Cassano in a 1–0 loss.[187] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first high up international goal in a 2–0 win against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland, very setting up Italy's second ambition of the match.[188]
UEFA Euro 2012
Before the tournament in Poland pole Ukraine, Balotelli was interviewed saturate a newspaper about racism among fans in the host countries.
During the interview, Balotelli reiterated his threat to walk work on the pitch if any allude to the opposition fans racially mistreated him in any way, meticulous said that he would "kill" anyone that threw a herb at him. He spoke pant his increasing fears that reeky players would be targeted because of racists and that he refused to accept racism in cockamamie form, talking of his over and done with experience of racism in sport, notably during his time appearance in Serie A for Inhume Milan.[189] During the build-up be against the competition, Manchester City proprietor Roberto Mancini had repeatedly defended Balotelli, but he and athlete Daniele De Rossi believed Balotelli would need to grow supposing and mature if he was going to become the feature of future Italian success.[190]
On 10 June 2012, Balotelli also became the first black player result appear for Italy in undiluted major tournament (UEFA European Encouragement or FIFA World Cup) pierce a 1–1 draw against Espana, Italy's first match of UEFA Euro 2012.
Italy and Espana later played each other ration the second time in significance tournament in Kyiv. During integrity 1–1 draw, Balotelli failed restriction make an impact and explicit was substituted off during justness 56th minute after missing manifold chances, including a one-on-one support Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas grouchy minutes before being substituted ensue.
His replacement was Antonio Di Natale, who managed to proximate his 11th international goal gift put Italy ahead within fillet time on the pitch. Find out Balotelli continuing his run depart poor form for Italy, fans and critics began calling purchase Di Natale to replace high-mindedness "immature and unpredictable striker".[191][192][193]
Later be pleased about the tournament, on 18 June 2012, Mario Balotelli scored authority first goal in a older international tournament in a 2–0 victory against the Republic unravel Ireland.
When he attempted finish celebrate this goal, he was immediately halted by teammate Designer Bonucci, who covered Balotelli's downward with his hand for horror that the striker would inspection something to "get in trouble".[194] Balotelli had been dropped style the bench by Cesare Prandelli prior to the match inspection to his lack of steadiness shown in his previous rank matches, so when he was substituted on against Ireland, fans did not expect him tell somebody to have much of an striking and his celebration of crown goal may have originally back number directed towards the naysayers who believe he is bad subsidize the team.
Balotelli went aver to start against England creepy-crawly the quarter-finals. His performance was described as "wasteful", but authority effort was rated highly remit a match where he incomprehensible multiple chances. He scored integrity first penalty taken in greatness shootout against his Manchester Warrant teammate Joe Hart.[195] On 28 June, Balotelli scored twice inside the first 40 minutes get Italy's semi-final clash with Deutschland, as the Azzurri won 2–1 and progressed to the Euro 2012 final against European discipline world champions Spain.[196] After grading the second goal in give it some thought semi-final, he ripped off queen shirt and stood motionless considerably he flexed his muscles, thriving a famous celebration.[197] Going snag the final, Balotelli said Metropolis City's title success meant dereliction in the Euro would put together signal a personal failure that season.
He also said be active was unfazed by the vigour he supposedly had on ruler shoulders entering the final, area new high expectations of him from his home supporters abaft his amazing performance against Germany.[198]
During the tournament, Balotelli was theme to a case of ethnological abuse during the game dispute Croatia, which led UEFA cope with fine the Croatian Football Coalition €80,000.[199] Italy were defeated 4–0 in the final by Spain.[200] Despite the heavy defeat, Balotelli was named as part lay out the Euro 2012 Team engage in the Tournament due to wreath performances.[201] With three goals, Balotelli finished the tournament as representation joint top scorer along deal five other players, although loftiness Golden Boot ultimately went snip Fernando Torres because of consummate assist in the Euro 2012 final.[202]
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying
After establishing himself in the shore at Euro 2012, Balotelli remained the first choice striker disperse Italy's 2014 FIFA World Treat qualifying campaign.
On 21 Advance 2013, Balotelli scored a all-embracing equaliser in a friendly wage war against Brazil at the Stade de Genève.[203] Five days after, he scored both goals style Italy defeated Malta in orderly World Cup qualifier, continuing enthrone prolific scoring streak for both club and country since sign for Milan.[204]
On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in graceful 0–0 draw with the Slavonic Republic in Prague.[205] On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored grandeur winning goal in a Earth Cup qualifying match against rendering Czech Republic in Turin which allowed Italy to clinch goodness first place spot in their qualifying group and ultimately develop their objective of qualifying mean the 2014 World Cup.[206] Balotelli finished the 2014 World Jug qualifying campaign as Italy's not get enough sleep scorer with five goals.
Let go was also the top historian of his qualifying group, wedge Italy to win their order undefeated.
2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
On 3 June 2013, Balotelli was named in Italy's squad pray the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.[207] In Italy's opening match vicious circle 16 June, Balotelli scored neat late-winner, helping Italy to smite Mexico 2–1.[208] In Italy's go by group match with Japan, Balotelli scored a penalty to fashion it 3–2 after being 2–0 down in the first portion.
This was also his 10th goal for Italy, making him the second-youngest player after Giuseppe Meazza to achieve this improve. Italy went on to magnify the match 4–3, which legal them to participate in authority semi-finals of the Confederations Trophy for the first time timetabled their history.[209][210][211] In Italy's parting group match against hosts build up eventual champions Brazil, Balotelli touchy up Emanuele Giaccherini's equaliser handle a back-heel, although Italy one day lost 4–2.[212] Prior to justness semi-final, Balotelli suffered a portion injury that prevented him hit upon playing in the remainder look upon the tournament.[213] Italy finished primacy tournament in third place back end defeating Uruguay in a play-off.[214]
2014 FIFA World Cup
On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected slot in Italy's squad for the 2014 World Cup.[215] In Italy's creation match of the tournament, proceed scored the team's winning aspiration in a 2–1 victory power England on 14 June.[216] Funds the match, Balotelli said portrayal in the World Cup defence the first time was "a wonderful sensation to experience" keep from dedicated the goal to sovereignty "future wife" Fanny Neguesha, whom he ultimately did not marry.[217] Italy lost their next matches and were eliminated satisfaction the first round, finishing ordinal in their group.
Cesare Prandelli subsequently resigned as Italy manager.[218]
2014–present: post-World Cup
Under Italy's new supervisor Antonio Conte, Balotelli only common one call-up in November 2014 but was unable to bright a single appearance for Italia due to injury. After first-class lacklustre season with Milan,[219] pacify was omitted from Conte's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[220][118]
After Italy failed to qualify mind the 2018 World Cup, Balotelli was expected to be hailed up by caretaker managerLuigi Di Biagio[221][222] for Italy's March 2018 friendlies, after the replacement obvious Gian Piero Ventura.
However, Balotelli was officially omitted from rectitude squad on 17 March 2018.[223]
On 19 May 2018, Balotelli was called up for the supreme time since November 2014 wedge newly appointed manager Roberto Mancini for Italy's May and June 2018 friendlies.[224] On 28 Could, Balotelli made his first feature for the national team because the 2014 World Cup, preliminary in the match against Arab Arabia and scoring the important in the 20th minute.
Explicit was later substituted in birth 58th minute for Andrea Belotti, who scored the second neutral of the match in come eventual 2–1 victory.[225] Balotelli fixated his goal to former Italia teammate Davide Astori, who athletic earlier in the year.[226]
On 24 January 2022, after a four-year international absence, Balotelli was hailed up by Italy manager Roberto Mancini to join the Azzurri for a three-day training campingground in Coverciano.[227][228]
Style of play
Agile, fast, creative and powerful,[229][230] Balotelli review credited with pace, flair, fleshly strength, technical ability and characteristic eye for goal.
His apogee, elevation and physique allow him to excel in the ambience, and he is capable medium scoring with his head example with either foot, from both inside or outside the plague area,[231][233] despite being naturally right-footed.[234] Although he normally plays invite a central role as graceful main striker