Watch: Mario Balotelli Scores Impressive Goal In First Return to Italy Since 2014
Mario Balotelli made sure to leave an impression in his first appearance for Italy in four years.
It didn't take long for Balotelli to make himself known on the pitch in a friendly against World Cup-bound Saudi Arabia, as he needed just 21 minutes to score a great goal, a screamer to the bottom left corner. It was his first goal for Italy since the 2014 World Cup group stage, when he scored the winner against England on June 14, 2014.
Italy wound up winning 2-1, with Andrea Belotti's insurance goal in the 68th minute winding up as the difference to make sure Yehya Al Shehri's goal four minutes later didn't change the result.
Balotelli's last appearance for Italy came two games later, when the Azzurri lost 1-0 to Uruguay and failed to make it to the knockout rounds. Italy took a step back in 2018, failing to qualify for Russia after a playoff defeat to Sweden.
Balotelli has been overlooked by Italy's managers in the past four years, but the appointment of his former Inter Milan and Manchester City coach, Roberto Mancini, has created a change in fortune.
Balotelli plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, where he scored 15 times in league play in 2016-17 and 18 this past season.
