Balotelli’s debut draws near as he makes Genoa squad for Parma | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli is closing in on his debut with Genoa as he was called up for his side’s match at Parma on Monday night after missing their home meeting against Fiorentina mid-week.

Supermario officially completed his Serie A return on 28 October, when he was announced as a new Grifone player, but coach Alberto Gilardino explained he needed to spend his first week doing ‘physical tests’, despite showing ‘great motivation’.

The 34-year-old had remained without a club since last June when his contract with Adana Demirspor expired, and while he had suggested being ready to ‘smash’ Serie A as soon as he signed for a club, he wasn’t clearly fit enough to make an immediate debut with Genoa.

Balotelli’s debut approaches as Genoa includes him in Parma squad

However, things are likely to change soon as Balotelli was included in the squad Genoa announced on Sunday ahead of their Serie A trip to Parma.

With three goals from nine league games, Andrea Pinamonti will lead Grifone’s attacking line as he is set to start alongside Jeff Ekhator, but Balotelli could come on in the second half in case rock bottom Genoa will need help to halt their eight-match winless streak in Serie A.