Balotelli booked five minutes into Serie A return with Genoa

Mario Balotelli featured in a Serie A match for the first time in over three years and picked up a booking less than five minutes after his introduction as the Grifone recorded a 1-0 victory over Parma on Monday evening.

Balotelli booked five minutes into Genoa debut

The former Italy international joined Genoa as a free agent last Monday, having left Turkish Super Lig side Adana Demirspor upon the expiry of his contract in June. He was not included in the matchday squad for the 1-0 loss to Fiorentina on Thursday, but was named among the subs for Parma on Monday evening.

Balotelli was introduced after 85 minutes, replacing Jeff Ekhator who had set up Andrea Pinamonti’s 80th minute winner.

It took less than five minutes for Balotelli to enter the book. He was cautioned after a foul 90 just after the clock struck 90.

Technically, Balotelli has picked up a yellow and a red card in his last six minutes of football, as his time with Adana Demirspor ended with a red card in his final appearance of the 2023-24 season.

Genoa will next be in action on Thursday evening, when they will host Como at the Luigi Ferraris.