http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/03/mario-balotelli-milan-udinese-serie-a



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Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli scores twice on Milan debut to secure win over Udinese

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Serie A
Milan 2

Balotelli 25,
Balotelli (pen) 90+4

Udinese 1

Pinzi 55

Reuters
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 3 February 2013 17.24 EST
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Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli celebrates his late winning penalty for Milan against Udinese in typical style. Photograph: Matteo Bazzi/EPA

Mario Balotelli scored twice, including a highly controversial penalty three minutes into stoppage time, in a memorable Milan debut to give them a 2-1 win over Udinese on Sunday, three days after completing his move from Manchester City.

The maverick Italian, who moved to Milan for a reported £20m after two and a half turbulent years in Manchester, was included in the starting line-up only at the last minute after Giampaolo Pazzini pulled out during the warm-up.

But the 22-year-old opened his account after 25 minutes at San Siro, turning the ball in from close range after Stephan El Shaaraway's cross from the left was deflected to his feet.

He nearly added another two minutes later with a dipping shot which was turned over by the bar by the Udinese goalkeeper Daniele Padelli.

Giampiero Pinzi equalised for Udinese in the 55th minute and the home defence suddenly began to look vulnerable.

However, Balotelli went close in the 85th minute with a low free-kick which Padelli turned round a post. The match then ended in uproar when Thomas Heurtaux tackled El Shaaraway, who fell theatrically in the area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Balotelli calmly converted to lift Milan to fourth in the table, ahead of Internazionale on goal difference.

The furious Udinese players surrounded the referee to protest after the penalty decision and police came on to the field to protect the official after the final whistle.