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Mario Balotelli signs with Genoa and returns to Serie A after 4 years

Mario Balotelli signs with Genoa and returns to Serie A after 4 years | iNFOnews.ca
Mario Balotelli and Genoa sports director Marco Ottolini pose with Balotelli's jersey in Genoa, Italy, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. (Tano Pecoraro/LaPresse via AP)

GENOA, Italy (AP) — Mario Balotelli signed with relegation-threatened Genoa on Monday to mark his return to Serie A after more than four years.

The 34-year-old Balotelli last played in Italy’s top division with hometown club Brescia in 2019-20. His last appearance for any Italian club was with Monza in Serie B in 2020-21.

Balotelli left Turkish club Adana Demirsport after last season and with no transfer fee was a cheap option for financially struggling Genoa, which had just two shots on target in a 3-0 loss at Lazio on Sunday for its fifth defeat in six matches.

The former Italy striker could make his Genoa debut on Thursday against Fiorentina.

“I really don’t want to talk much; I want to play,” Balotelli said before undergoing a medical with Genoa. “I hope I’m ready soon.”

Mario Balotelli signs with Genoa and returns to Serie A after 4 years | iNFOnews.ca
Mario Balotelli, left, and Genoa’s head coach Alberto Gilardino attend a training session in Genoa, Italy, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. (Tano Pecoraro/LaPresse via AP)

Balotelli has also played for Inter Milan and AC Milan in Serie A.

Mario Balotelli signs with Genoa and returns to Serie A after 4 years | iNFOnews.ca
Mario Balotelli, left, listens to Genoa’s head coach Alberto Gilardino during a training session in Genoa, Italy, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. (Tano Pecoraro/LaPresse via AP)

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