In the past they had problems and what Vieira said when meeting Mario Balotelli again

Relationships that stand the test of time often face their fair share of ups and downs, and the dynamic between Mario Balotelli and Patrick Vieira is no exception. As Vieira takes the reins at Genoa, the pair will need to mend their strained relationship to avoid creating turmoil at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

Vieira’s Appointment Amid Controversy

Patrick Vieira, unemployed since his departure from Strasbourg in the summer, was appointed manager of Genoa following the controversial dismissal of Alberto Gilardino. Gilardino had guided Genoa back to Serie A in 2022 and helped them avoid relegation last season. Despite keeping the team out of the relegation zone this year, even after losing key players like Gudmundsson and Retegui in the summer, the club's management decided to part ways with him. Notably, Gilardino had played a significant role in bringing Balotelli to Genoa—setting the stage for the striker to work once again under Vieira.

A History of Shared Paths

Vieira and Balotelli’s history dates back to their days at Inter Milan in 2007. Balotelli was an emerging talent from the academy, while Vieira arrived from Juventus as an established star. The pair shared the dressing room for two-and-a-half seasons before Vieira returned to the Premier League with Manchester City. Just six months later, Balotelli followed the same path to England, joining City.

"I have a responsibility to make sure he doesn’t feel alone," Vieira said in January 2011, reflecting a paternal bond with the young striker during their shared time at Manchester City. "It’s not easy for someone like Mario. It’s his first time outside Italy, and he’s used to having his family close. He’s still just a kid."

The Rift in Nice

Years later, their paths crossed again in Nice, with Vieira as manager and Balotelli as a player. This reunion, from August 2018 to January 2019, proved to be disastrous. Balotelli struggled under Vieira, managing only 10 appearances without scoring a single goal.

"His mentality isn’t suited for a team sport," Vieira remarked at the time. "It was very complicated to work with him. The situation became unmanageable, and we decided to part ways." Balotelli, never one to shy away from confrontation, responded: "I had no personal issues with him, but we disagreed professionally. If it weren’t for those problems, I never would have left Nice."

A Reunion at Genoa

Nearly five years later, the pair must now work together again, this time at Genoa. Club president Alberto Zangrillo made it clear that reconciliation is non-negotiable: "Balotelli and Vieira will embrace in front of me. They’ll have to live together."

Genoa, battling to stay in Serie A, cannot afford distractions from internal conflicts. Vieira’s leadership and Balotelli’s experience will be pivotal in the club's fight against relegation. However, their ability to coexist could determine whether Genoa’s season is a success or derailed by discord.

• Patrick Vieira appointed Genoa manager after the controversial dismissal of Alberto Gilardino.
• History with Balotelli: The two have worked together three times before, with mixed results, at Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Nice.
• Reconciliation needed: Their strained relationship from Nice resurfaces, but they must put differences aside to focus on Genoa's fight to avoid relegation.
• President’s stance: Alberto Zangrillo insists Vieira and Balotelli must work together, emphasizing unity as key to Genoa’s success.