Genoa’s new signing Mario Balotelli will have to wait a little longer for his debut in the Rossoblu shirt. The Italian striker, who recently joined Genoa as a free agent after a long period away from Serie A, is not yet ready to feature for his new team.
In a pre-match press conference ahead of Genoa’s midweek Serie A fixture against Fiorentina at the Ferraris stadium, head coach Alberto Gilardino confirmed that Balotelli would not be in the squad. He explained:
“Balotelli arrived motivated, we’ve talked a lot. I know what he can give us, as I’ve already said, he can’t solve problems alone. We’ve planned a week-long program of individual and group sessions. He won’t be called up tomorrow. My thoughts are for a week from now, Monday in Parma. We’re thinking day by day.”
Gilardino emphasized the need to protect and support Balotelli, stating:
“He’s a guy who needs to be protected in every way. I know what he can give us, but he can’t solve problems alone. The priority is always the team.”
