What’s behind Mario Balotelli’s latest problem at Genoa | OneFootball

Genoa forward Mario Balotelli is reportedly unsettled amidst a lack of game time.

According to a report by Filippo Grimaldi of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mario Balotelli is causing a stir inside Genoa due to the coach not using him as a regular in matches. Patrick Vieira’s statements following the Empoli match were: “Here the group counts”. While this message is expected not to be directed towards Balotelli, it still is a comment made for those players in the squad who value their individual performances more than the team’s.

The 34-year-old striker received seven minutes in the Grifone’s game versus Napoli and is in no way being considered for a starting role now.

With Caleb Ekuban and Junior Messias out of action, Balotelli is set for an increased number of chances and that might alter his current mood. However, he is in no place to dislodge Andrea Pinamonti from the lineup as the 25-year-old has been taken to nontransferable due to his goal contributions.

Balotelli can now hope to be in Vieira’s good books and exploit the current situation to get more playing time. The Italian is expected to honour his contract which expires in the summer and then seek newer pastures.

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN