Balotelli set to sign for injury-hit Genoa

Mario Balotelli is set to return to Italian football with Genoa, the injury-hit Serie A club’s sporting director confirmed on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of Genoa’s match at Lazio, Marco Ottolini said of former Italy striker Balotelli: “Save for any surprises he will be a Genoa player tomorrow (Monday).”

Genoa have seven players out injured including forwards Junior Messias and Vitinha and have decided to take a gamble on free agent Balotelli, who last played in Serie A for Brescia four years ago and last season was at Adana Demirspor in Turkey.

“We’ve decided to go all-in with Balotelli. We’re hoping for real enthusiasm, he has shown a huge desire to come back (to Italy) and play for Genoa,” said Ottolini.

Balotelli, born in Palermo to Ghanaian parents, was once one of the young stars of Italian football and considered a potentially world class striker.

But at the age of 34 this move to Genoa represents a last chance on the big stage after a rocky career in which uncomfortable off-field headlines have been as common as goals and trophies.

A career high point came at Euro 2012, when he starred up front for losing finalists Italy the summer after helping Manchester City win their first English league title since 1968.

He had previously had a hand in three Serie A crowns for Inter Milan and the 2010 Champions League triumph under Jose Mourinho, the last time an Italian team became kings of Europe.

Balotelli has also been a frequent target for racist abuse in his native Italy, with Verona, Roma and Juventus fans among those who have targeted him.

He is likely to get his first start against Fiorentina on Thursday for Genoa, who sat in the relegation zone ahead of their clash with Lazio.