Balotelli delighted with dream debut

MILAN – Mario Balotelli revealed he was not supposed to start for AC Milan against Udinese, but was delighted with his contribution as he scored a brace on debut in a 2-1 victory.Balotelli, who joined Milan from Manchester City last week, was thrust into the starting line-up following a thigh strain picked up by Giampaolo Pazzini in the warm-up. The striker responded with two goals, and afterwards told fans to expect more as he returns to peak fitness.“I was supposed to be on the bench, but then ‘Pazzo’ hurt himself so I played instead,” Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia.“I’m happy it turned out like that, as I put in a good performance. We are strong in attack, even if I haven’t played much and feel my legs are heavy. I must work to improve my fitness levels.“It is a good start, but now I must continue scoring goals. We created a great deal this evening, but Daniele Padelli performed some good saves. We deserved to win and in the end we did it.”The win sees Milan move to fourth place in the Serie A, joining rivals Inter on 40 competition points.

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Balotelli delighted with dream debut