Super Mario showing his worth back home in Milan

An own goal from Gabriel Paletta gave the Rossoneri the lead in the first half before Balotelli stepped up to score a delightful free-kick, his fourth goal in three games for his new club.

'Super' Mario as he is often dubbed when he does perform has certainly been that since he left Manchester City and returned home to his beloved Milan.

Not at Inter though, Balotelli has been thriving in the famous Red and Black of AC Milan and his four goals in three games have now given Massimiliano Allegri's side raised hope as they look to build on a recent run of results

Man City may be kicking themselves following their dismissal of football's so called 'bad-boy'.

The last three games for Roberto Mancini's side have gone like this:

QPR 0-0 Man City, Man City 2-2 Liverpool, Southampton 3-1 Man City.

Just three goals in their last three games; Balotelli has gone one better, scoring four and whilst we all know the reasons behind the parting of the two, one cannot be blamed for thinking Man City could have managed the firey Italian a little better.

However, that is all in the past and what is City's loss is Milan's gain as Rossoneri look to bounce back from a dire season that has seen them slip behind the likes of Napoli and Lazio as challengers for Juventus's crown.

The 22-year-old may never grow up off the field, but on it when in the right surroundings he is one of the best, proved in the European championships last season.

For Roberto Mancini at Man City, who is now just one loss away it seems from being sacked; mis-managing and selling Super Mario could be prove to be the biggest mistake he made.

image: © drabikpany

Ben Crump

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Founder of Inside Spanish Football and Freelance European Football Writer, previously worked for Goal.com, Forza Italian Football, Shoot Magazine. Youth Football Coach and dedicated husband and father!