After claiming he’s still the ‘strongest’ Italian striker, Mario Balotelli becomes the transfer target of three Serie A clubs

Mario Balotelli aims to return to Serie A, which will help him return to the Italian National Team.

After claiming he’s still the ‘strongest’ Italian striker, Mario Balotelli becomes the transfer target of three Serie A clubs

Mario Balotelli last played for Italy in 2018. (Image via GOAL)

Mario Balotelli’s career has been swinging like a pendulum ever since his debut. Often termed “irresponsible” by former managers, the striker is currently in Turkey, playing for Adana Demirspor. Although he has only played five games in the season, he is now close to returning to Italy. 

Looking to return to the Italian national team for the 2024 Euros, Balotelli claimed he is the strongest striker in November. He compared himself to fellow Italian strikers like Giacomi Raspodori and Gianluca Scammaca, claiming he’s stronger than them and wants to return to serve his nation. 

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If I’m well, I still consider myself the strongest,. Did (Giacomo) Raspadori and (Gianluca) Scamacca play (referencing their last match against Ukraine)? How many shots did they take combined? Two? I want to recover and play for the national team. I always hope for the call. I met Spalletti and I’ve met him several times. We made some jokes when we met in a friendly with Napoli, but I have no relationship.
Mario Balotelli on Italy’s striker situation

He is currently recovering from a knee surgery, playing only five matches for Adana Demirspor. Despite that, he has scored three times. He is currently linked with Italian clubs like Udinese, Salernitana and Empoli. 

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The 33-year-old last played for Italy in 2018. In 36 games, he has scored 14 times for the Azzurri. Although he’s below Scammacca and Raspodori in the pecking order, he will need to show Italy manager Luciano Spalletti something spectacular to gain a call-up after 5 years. 

Mario Balotelli’s season so far

After a failed spell at Swiss club FC Sion, Mario Balotelli returned to Adona Demirspor in 2023. He missed out on the club’s first 3 matches due to various reasons but finally played his first match on 1st October. He scored two goals, which helped the club win over Alanyaspor. Balotelli then played 4 out of the next 5 games, scoring 1 goal. He missed out on one match due to an issue with his knee. 

Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli in action for Adana Demispor. (Image via GOAL)

Sadly, just two days before Demispor’s match with Kayserispor, he crashed his car. A video that was recorded by a bystander showed the striker limping to the ambulance. He also refused to take a breathalyzer test, which saw his license confiscated. 

He underwent knee surgery and is still recovering, but a move to Italy could reignite his career. The striker played at Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool before he lost his touch. As of now, there is no return date for the striker, but with the January Transfer window open, he could next play for a new club. 

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