Genoa director: Balotelli not as ‘suited’ to our football as other players | OneFootball

Genoa director Marco Ottolini claimed the Rossoblu have players who are ‘better suited’ to their football style than Mario Balotelli, which is why the striker is not getting any playing time under coach Patrick Vieira.

The 34-year-old joined the Grifone on a free transfer in October, when Alberto Gilardino was still at the helm of the team.

A handout photo made available by Genoa CFC of Patrick Vieira (R), the new head coach of Genoa, during his first training with the team in Genoa, Italy, 20 November 2024. EPA-EFE/GENOA CFC PRESS OFFICE

However, he was replaced by Vieira shortly after Super Mario‘s arrival, with the previous clashes between the two definitely not helping the forward to hit his stride, as he only played 34 minutes of football in Serie A under the new manager.

Genoa director explains why Balotelli is not playing

Ottolini insisted in an interview with Il Secolo XIX that the club has ‘spoken clearly’ with Balotelli and is ‘working to find a solution’, as the Grifone squad has other players who are more aligned to Vieira’s football.

“With Mario, we have spoken clearly,” Genoa director said.

“He is training, he is on the squad list, and there are still some transfer markets open—we will see what can be done.

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Mario Balotelli of Genoa looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“We could have activated the clause at the end of December, but we didn’t do it because it’s not our style, and we wanted to give each other more time.

“There are simply players who are better suited to our style of football. Mario still wants to play, and we are working to find a solution.”