Materazzi explains how ‘incredible’ Balotelli lost his way: ‘He needed rules’

Marco Materazzi still has a deep affection for his former teammate Mario Balotelli, recalling how the striker was ‘incredible’ when he first broke into Inter’s senior squad. However, Materazzi believes Balotelli needed a ‘reality check’ and some ‘rules’ after a meteoric rise that ultimately stalled his development.

The two played together at Inter between 2007 and 2010, during which time Balotelli was also part of the treble-winning team coached by José Mourinho.

Years later, Materazzi revealed that they still share a ‘friendly relationship’, even though there were moments when the former defender had to be tough on him.

Materazzi: ‘Balotelli was incredible at 17, but he needed rules’

“Mario is like a son to me: I adore him,” Materazzi told Online Betting Guide, as quoted by FcInter1908.

“We have the same friendly relationship now. He still plays for Genoa.

“I have never seen a young player at 17 like Mario.

“He was incredible: he played as if he had five years of experience. Strong, fast, with fantastic technique. But he got lost along the way because at 17 he had already won everything.

“Then he went to Manchester City, Milan, Liverpool… at that point, he needed a kick, a reality check. He needed my rules. Back then, he wasn’t happy about that, but now he remembers me fondly. I believe I taught him the rules.”

Balotelli is still under contract with Genoa, having joined the club as a free agent in October 2024.

However, he has made only six Serie A appearances for the Grifone this season, with the arrival of Patrick Vieira as head coach last autumn further complicating his situation.