Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino has expressed his belief in Mario Balotelli’s potential impact on the team, despite the forward’s limited contributions since joining. Since Balotelli’s arrival, Genoa have managed to secure 4 points from two matches, but expectations were tempered given his six-month absence from competitive football.
Balotelli’s brief appearances in matches against Parma and Como did not allow him to make a significant mark, especially considering his current physical condition and fitness levels. However, the recent international break provided Balotelli with an opportunity to recharge and build rapport with his new teammates.
In an interview with Sport Mediaset, Gilardino emphasized the importance of Balotelli integrating into the squad: “Mario entering this group knows that he must align himself with the team and ensure that he can truly return to doing what he has always been able to do: making a difference in matches. Whether it’s 15 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour, or full matches doesn’t matter. Having him at this moment is a challenge for us, but it’s also a challenge for him to prove that Mario Balotelli has returned to Serie A and is a player who can still make a difference.”
