When Balotelli could make Genoa debut after Fiorentina omission | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli has not been included in the matchday squad for Genoa’s Serie A match against Fiorentina on Thursday evening, but the former Italy international could make his debut for the Grifone before long, as a packed fixture list awaits.

Genoa are hosting Fiorentina in Serie A on Thursday evening, but Balotelli, who officially joined the Grifone on Monday, is not in the starting XI, or among the substitutes.

When could Balotelli make his Genoa debut?

Genoa have two Serie A fixtures remaining before the next international break: One away against Parma on Monday, and another at home against Como in a week’s time, next Thursday.

Parma could still be too soon to see Balotelli take to the field as a starter given that he has only just started training with his new club, but there is a possibility that he could be among the substitutes.

There is an even bigger chance that Balotelli gets a go against Como next Thursday, and if not, he will likely be included against Cagliari on November 24, after the next international break.

Balotelli is understood to be in decent condition, having trained for four or five days per week during the four-and-a-half month period he spent without a club.

Stefano Mazzoldi, his trainer during that time, had nothing but good things to say about Balotelli’s work rate over the last few months.

“(He’s) Motivated and determined, fired up like never before.,” Mazzoldi said. “Mario did not give up over the last few months, he always trained four or five times a week, even though he wasn’t sure he’d get a call-up.

“Obviously, he doesn’t have match sharpness, but he’s in great shape and he told me that Genoa thought he was in good nick during his medicals, in line with the club’s parameters.”

Mario Balotelli joins Genoa as a free agent until the end of the 2024-25 season (picture via www.genoacfc.it)