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Mario Balotelli Scores On His Return For Italy, Dedicates Goal To Davide Astori

Mario Balotelli Scores On His Return For Italy, Dedicates Goal To Davide Astori

The striker marked his return with a classy goal.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Italy beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in an international friendly, with the returning Mario Balotelli getting on the score-sheet.

It took him just 21 minutes to find the back of the net. And following the game, he dedicated his strike to the late Davide Astori.

After a prolific campaign in France's top flight with Nice - which included 18 league goals, Balotelli was selected by new Italy boss Roberto Mancini.

The pair have previous following their stint together at Manchester City.

Who could forget Mancini drafting on Balotelli, who set-up Sergio Aguero to score in the last minute to win the Premier League title in 2012?!

Fast forward six years, Balotelli and Mancini resume their relationship but on the international scene.

The striker made his return to the national side for the first time in nearly four years on Monday night.

Balotelli in action for Italy. Image: PA
Balotelli in action for Italy. Image: PA
Teammates celebrate after Balotelli scores. Image: PA
Teammates celebrate after Balotelli scores. Image: PA

And he marked his return to the international fold with a goal.

Balotelli brilliantly created an opening before unleashing a low strike in the bottom corner to give Italy the lead.

He then dedicated his goal to Davide Astori who tragically passed away in March of this year.

Image: Mario Balotelli Instagram
Image: Mario Balotelli Instagram

Touch of class.

Of course, Italy aren't in the World Cup, though the game does prepare Saudi Arabia who have to negotiate a Group consisting of tournament host Russia, Egypt and Uruguay.

Here's hoping Balotelli gets an extended look in the Italian team.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old is looking for new club after his contract with Nice expired.

A potential return to the Serie A is reportedly on the cards.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Davide Astori, Mario Balotelli, Italy

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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