Balotelli: Finally I’m Playing For Italy

Balotelli was born in Palermo to Ghanaian immigrants and adopted by an Italian family in Brescia at the age of two, however he only received his Italian citizenship when he turned 18 this August.

The 18 year old made his debut for the Azzurini coached by Pierluigi Casiraghi and it was a successful one, as he scored Italy's lone goal in the 1-1 draw with the Greece U-21 side in European Championship qualifying.

"I am very happy with the goal, less so for the result, but that is part of football," explained Balotelli, who also scored in Inter's Italian Super Cup victory over Roma on August 24th.

"Both teams played well and on a personal level I am content, although one can always do better,” he added.

Balotelli proved to be a handful for the Greek defence all evening, and had several chances besides his well-taken goal and his first at an international level.

"The Italy goal was special as I waited so long and passionately wanted to wear this shirt," the player smiled after the match at Castel Di Sangro.

This is the first youth level Balotelli has played at for Italy as he just recently obtained his citizenship, but he professed that he had little trouble adapting to his new teammates: "When you play with figures of this quality, it all becomes easier. We got on right away and I settled very quickly.”

The young prodigy is likely to feature in Inter's next match at the San Siro against Catania next weekend.