Gilardino reveals when Balotelli could make Genoa debut

Mario Balotelli is still not fit to play a competitive match, but Alberto Gilardino suggests that Super Mario could be eligible next week when the Grifone visit Parma.

Balotelli joined Genoa on a free transfer earlier this week and won’t be called up for Thursday’s Serie A match against Fiorentina.

The Italian striker had been without a club since the end of his contract with Adana Demirspor in June.

Gilardino reveals when Balotelli could make Genoa debut

“He has arrived with great motivation and I’ve spoken a lot with him,” Genoa coach Gilardino said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Right now, he must work for a week both with the team and by doing physical tests. He won’t be called up tomorrow. I think about next week, on Monday night against Parma.

“Let’s focus on one game at a time, the lad must be protected in everything,” said the ex-striker.

“I know what he can give us, but as I’ve previously said, he can’t solve all problems. My priority will always be the team.”

Balotelli has scored 52 goals in 141 Serie A games with Inter, Milan and Brescia.