Mario Balotelli: Mr Hollywood (Video)
Prior to kick off before AC Milan – Udinese, Giampaolo Pazzini picked up an injury in the warm up. Such was the extent of the problem, the Italian was forced to miss the encounter which meant just one thing – Mario Balotelli would start from the off.
The former Manchester City striker had only arrived days before following his big money switch from the Premier League. He travelled back to the San Siro after a two-and-a-half year exodus from his homeland following his move to the Etihad Stadium from Inter Milan in 2010.
Having been expected to begin the game with Udinese from the bench, the news that he would be starting saw many a football fan salivating. And it turned out to be the perfect debut for the 22-year-old, netting just 24 minutes on his debut for the Rossoneri.
It wouldn’t have been Mario performance had there not been an ounce of controversy late on after Stephan El Shaarawy was judged to have been fouled by Thomas Heurtaux in the dying embers of the encounter as the referee pointed to the spot.
Of course, Balotelli was the man to step up to the plate. Rather than coming across overawed by the situation, the Italian joked, laughed and was caught doing keepy-ups prior to the whistle blowing. In typical fashion, he sent Udinese goalkeeper Daniele Padelli the wrong way before holding his arms in the air as the Milan crowd were sent into a frenzy.
His effort all but epitomised the youngster as he looks to kick start his stuttering career upon his return to Italy.
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