Galliani praises Balotelli effect

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says Mario Balotelli’s impact on the side is similar to what’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done for PSG.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says Mario Balotelli’s impact on the side is similar to what’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic has done for PSG.

Balotelli has scored four goals in his three Serie A matches since arriving from Manchester City, and Galliani has praised the Italian’s displays.

“Balotelli inspires the other players, sort of like the Zlatan Ibrahimovic effect,” he said.

“He gives strength, and his performances have a collateral effect on the others. His goals are proof we didn’t just buy him for his media impact.”

Milan, who currently lie third in Serie A following Friday’s 2-1 win over Parma, next face Barcelona in the last-16 of the Champions League.

And the Rossoneri vice-president feels his side have no reason to fear the La Liga giants, despite saying they could be without striker Stephan El Shaarawy (knee), while Balotelli cannot play after lining up for Manchester City in the Champions League earlier in the season.

“Destiny means we have met Barcelona six times in two seasons, but we have no psychological weakness towards them,” Galliani said.

“We hope that El Shaarawy can recover in time for the match. It is fortunate we signed Mario Balotelli in January, as Giampaolo Pazzini has been injured and El Shaarawy is trying to recover from a knee inflammation.”