Four years later... Balotelli returned with a fine goal

After exactly three years, 11 months and 14 days since his last Italy appearance, Balotelli returned to the national team fold against Saudi Arabia.

With 21 minutes gone and with his first meaninful touch of the encounter, 'Balo' announced his return with a bang, sweeping a right-footed effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Even a man as confident as Balotelli could hardly have imagined his return to the national team going so well.

 

28 May 2018

At the age of 27, Balotelli has made 34 appearances for his country, scoring 14 goals.

Balotelli put in a lively performance in the 58 minutes he spent on the pitch, but he faces a tough battle to restablish himself in the Italy team with his replacement Andrea Belotti going on to score what proved to be the winner and the likes of Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile also in the reckoning.