Balotelli to make his debut to AC Milan today

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is expected to make his official debut for AC Milan on Sunday against Udinese.

Balotelli finalized a €20m ($27m) transfer from Manchester City on Thursday, returning to Italy after a turbulent 2 and a half years in the Premier League.

“Mario Balotelli is a great player and will definitely help the squad,” Milan striker Robinho said. “We’re happy he’s arrived and we’re all going to welcome him. Let’s hope he does well for Milan.

Following a difficult start to the season, Milan has recovered and has started forcing its way back up the Serie A table and into contention for a Champions League spot.

After seven wins in its past nine games, Milan has moved up to fifth, six points behind third-place Lazio.

“There’s enthusiasm in the changing room and we’re getting better,” Robinho said. “There are still plenty of games to go and every three points will help us move up the table. We can’t afford to slip up anymore and Udinese will be difficult but we’re prepared.

“The beginning of the campaign wasn’t good, and once more the Italian league is proving to be difficult but at the moment we’re experiencing a good run of form in this crucial point of the season, and with 16 games to go anything is possible.”