Name: Mario Barwuah Balotelli
Born: 12 August 1990 (Age 20)
International Honours: Italy (1 cap) Italy U21 (16 caps, 6 goals)
- Joe Strange on England / Getting to know the opposition: Montenegro
Signed by big-spending Manchester City in August of this year, Balotelli looks set for a bright future after reportedly attracting the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
He eventually decided upon a move to ambitious City, rejoining his former boss at Inter Milan, Roberto Mancini, in the process.
The Ghanaian-born Italian signed for the current Serie A holders back in 2006, after a successful spell on loan from Lumezzane.
After a year in the club's academy system he signed a permanent deal before making the step up to the senior squad, going on to score 20 goals in 59 appearances over the next three years.
Despite his prodigious talent, Mario came in for plenty of criticism for his apparent 'bad boy' attitude. He repeatedly fell out with form manager Jose Mourinho and was often dropped from the first-team picture.
Since moving to the Premier League, the 6ft 3in striker has made just one substitute appearance for his new side - coming on to score the winner in a 1-0 victory away at FC Timisoara in the Europa League.
Source: DSG
