Since quitting Brazil at the Confederations Cup due to injury, the former Manchester City troublemaker has not had the opportunity to hit the headlines for his prowess on the pitch. The 23-year-old was forced to miss his side’s pre-season tour in the United States earlier this summer, and was also absent from Italy’s international friendly match against Argentina on August 14.
At first, there were doubts that he would not be able to face PSV Eindhoven but Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri reassured fans when he declared on Monday:
“Mario is feeling good. He is an extraordinary player. It will be an important test for him playing in his first Champions League game with us.
“He won’t be in top condition, but he has some extraordinary qualities.”
Warming up for this Champions League qualifier, the Rossoneri trounced Serie D team Derthona 11-0 last Saturday. Balotelli netted a brace as he featured throughout the first period of the game. The challenge in the Netherlands will certainly be tougher as both sides aim to make the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League group stages.
In the build up to the game, PSV coach Cocu downplayed the hype surrounding Balo's return to competitive football as he told reporters:
“We're not just going to try to stop Balotelli. We have to beat AC Milan over two matches – that's our goal, our task and our challenge.
“We're playing against an absolutely great team with a lot of individual qualities and qualities as a group.”
However, 'Super Mario' will be out to prove Cocu wrong by making the game a one-man show.
Balotelli joined Milan during the January transfer window and made an instant impact with 12 goals in 13 appearances. After witnessing Juventus’ resounding victory in the Supercoppa Italiana last Sunday, Rossoneri supporters will be eager to see their team kick-off the competitive season positively.
The influence of ‘Super Mario’ may be strongly needed to limit the Champions League hopes of hosts PSV.
