Football

Mario Balotelli, the former Italy international striker, has found a new home at Genoa, a Serie A club struggling with injuries. Genoa, currently languishing in 18th place, has signed Balotelli until the end of the season to bolster their depleted attacking options.Balotelli, now 34, was once a rising star in Italian football, showcasing his prowess at Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan, and Liverpool. However, his career has been marked by both on-field brilliance and off-field controversies.Despite his past, Genoa has taken a gamble on Balotelli, hoping to reignite his spark and help them escape the relegation zone. The club has been plagued by injuries, with seven players currently sidelined, including forwards Junior Messias, Vitinha, and Caleb Ekuban.Balotelli's arrival brings a wealth of experience to Genoa. He has played a pivotal role in three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and the 2010 Champions League triumph under Jose Mourinho. He also starred for Italy at Euro 2012, helping them reach the final.However, Balotelli has also faced his share of challenges. He has been the target of racist abuse in Italy, and his off-field antics have often overshadowed his on-field achievements.Despite these setbacks, Balotelli remains a talented striker with a proven track record. Genoa will be hoping that he can rediscover his form and help them avoid relegation. He is expected to make his debut against Fiorentina on Thursday.

Jhon Duran, the Colombian sensation who has taken the Premier League by storm, has committed his long-term future to Aston Villa by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030. The 20-year-old striker has been a revelation since joining Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, scoring six goals in just 24 appearances, including the crucial winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Duran's impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including West Ham, who reportedly agreed personal terms with the player during the summer transfer window. However, Villa have managed to fend off their rivals and secure the services of one of the most promising young talents in world football.The new contract is a testament to Duran's rapid rise and the belief that Villa have in his potential. Despite starting just once in all competitions this season, Duran has made a significant impact, scoring vital goals and showcasing his exceptional talent.Villa manager Unai Emery has been full of praise for Duran, describing his potential as "huge." Emery has also highlighted the importance of managing Duran's impatience and helping him develop both as a player and a person.With Duran now tied down to a long-term contract, Villa can focus on building a team around the young striker. The club's ambitious plans include challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League and making a deep run in the Champions League. Duran's goalscoring prowess and ability to create chances for his teammates will be crucial to Villa's success.The Colombian international has already shown that he has the quality to compete at the highest level. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him a dangerous threat to any defense. With the support of Villa and the guidance of Emery, Duran has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world.

Dusan Vlahovic's resurgence at Juventus has been a welcome sight for the Bianconeri faithful. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Serbian striker has rediscovered his scoring touch, becoming one of Europe's most prolific forwards in 2024.Vlahovic's struggles in Turin began after his €80 million move from Fiorentina in January 2022. The pressure of the price tag weighed heavily on him, and he failed to replicate the form that had made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.However, the 24-year-old has turned things around this season. With 15 Serie A goals in 2024, he is second only to Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. Vlahovic has also shown leadership qualities, dragging Juventus to victory against Frosinone with a brace.Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Vlahovic's desire to prove himself and the trust he has begun to feel in Turin have contributed to his turnaround. "He has more self-esteem and is convinced about his role inside Juventus," Prandelli said.Vlahovic's exceptional ball-striking ability makes him a threat from both free-kicks and distance. His left foot is a jackhammer, capable of producing powerful shots and dipping curves. He is also a competent finisher with his right foot.Despite his aerial presence, Vlahovic does not participate in the build-up as often as some other strikers. However, his skill and touch allow him to roll his defenders under contact, making him a good bouncing board for passes to release runners from deep.Vlahovic's future at Juventus remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in 2026, this summer could prove pivotal. A 25-goal season will attract interest from top clubs, and Juventus will need to decide whether to cash in or risk losing his potentially elite peak years.For now, though, the focus is on closing the gap to Inter and keeping the others behind. If Juventus and Vlahovic can manage that, it's unlikely anybody in Turin will ever question the €80 million price tag again.