Mario Balotelli equals Liverpool Premier League goal tally with spectacular

As hosts, the pressure is arguably all on Inter, especially after a summer transfer period in which Mancini bolstered his side to the point they are considered, on paper at least, possible scudetto challengers. “As I told the lads at half-time, unfortunately teams last 90 minutes and not 45, so we have to continue with the same spirit”, the coach told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.

Mario Balotelli feels he is slowly starting to silence his doubters after getting back among the goals in AC Milan’s 3-2 win over Udinese on Tuesday. If Balotelli can keep that up for a full match, we may see the start of a true resurgence from him in this match. “I’m behaving well in the changing room and I have good relationships with my teammates”.

Emmanuel Badu and Duvan Zapata scored in a six-minute spell early in the second half to bring Udinese back into the match and set up a dramatic final half hour.

“We were winning 3-0, but then we got careless”, Balotelli reflected.

Udinese and AC Milan have met 80 times so far in Serie A – the Rossoneri have won 36 times, losing 14 (30 draws).

As for Balotelli, the 25-year-old delivered a mature performance and was a real positive influence along with his quality on the ball.

Balotelli had already showed signs of a revival when he came off the bench and hit the post in the derby and he now appears to have solidified his place in Milan’s attack alongside either Carlos Bacca or Luiz Adriano – both also new signings.

From his outrageous antics on and off the pitch, and larger than life character he is a player adored by many.

On the stroke of half-time, Cristian Zapata headed in a corner past Karnezis for a 3-0 half-time lead. Nevertheless, they were exposed by Udinese in the second half on too many occasions. But what is interesting is that Udinese usually raise their game when Milan pays a visit.