OFFICIAL: Balotelli returns to Serie A to join Genoa

Mario Balotelli will officially make his return to Italian football. The striker, who has been without a club following the end of his contract with Adana Demirspor in June, has now joined Genoa, as the club have announced via their socials on Monday.

"Mario Balotelli is a new Genoa player," confirm the 'Rossoblu' on their official X account. "The Italian forward, born in Palermo on 12/09/1990, has signed a contract with his new club. Throughout his career, Balotelli has won nine titles at professional level with his clubs. In the Italy senior national team he was top scorer and vice-champion at the 2012 Euros, collecting a total of 36 appearances and 14 goals. Welcome to Genoa, Super Mario!"

Balotelli will be back on the pitch after missing out on six months worth of action. His last competitive game was a league game between Adana Demirspor and Gaziantep on the 12th May, which curiously saw him get sent off before the half-time whistle. 

The 34-year-old will go back to wearing his iconic number 45 on the back of his shirt for Genoa after having the number 9 in his latest spell at the Turkish club. Genoa is now the fifth Italian club Balotelli has played for after Inter, Milan, Brescia and Monza.

 

October 28, 2024