Balotelli set to debut against Udinese

Milan, Feb 3 (IANS): AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that their new signing Mario Balotelli could make his debut against Udinese Sunday.

As the 22-year-old former Manchester City striker is in form, demonstrated by the goal he scored in a friendly Thursday, Allegri could not hesitate to put Balotelli straight into the starting line-up where he could feature alongside Giampaolo Pazzini.

“He joined on Thursday, and is in good shape physically,” he told reporters Saturday.

“I will decide whether he’ll start or be on the bench. It is not just a tactical choice, but also dictated by the situation.

“In my view he can be paired with Pazzini, who has done well so far this season.”

Allegri said the signing has benefited AC Milan in several ways, pointing to the lift the transfer has given his side.

“Balotelli’s arrival is important for the club in media terms. He has brought a strong wave of enthusiasm, although we must remain detached from that,” Allegri said.