Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli strikes his memorable against Bologna. Reuters

Mario Balotelli scored an extraordinary late goal to give Milan a 1-0 victory over Bologna on Friday. With just four minutes remaining in the Serie A clash at the San Siro, Balotelli received Riccardo Montolivo’s pass on the right and struck and sent a powerful drive soaring past Bologna goalkeeper Gianluca Curci and into the top corner of the net from more than 35 yards.

The phenomenal strike proved to be the only goal of the game as relegation-threatened Bologna failed to respond in the closing stages. The win takes Milan above Genoa and into the top half of the Serie A standings in what has been a season to forget for the Rossoneri. Still, after losing for the first time in the league under new coach Clarence Seedorf at Napoli last week, Milan have now claimed victory in three of their five Serie A matches under the former midfield great.

The goal also comes at a welcome time for Balotelli. The enigmatic striker has had a difficult season following his incredible scoring run after first arriving at Milan last January. After being substituted against Napoli, Balotelli was shown in tears on the bench, with his recent personal issues (a DNA test revealed that he is the father to a child of his ex-girlfriend) believed to be the cause. With scrutiny over his personal life cited as a possible reason, Balotelli has even been linked with a transfer to Premier League side Arsenal in recent days. The 23-year-old previously spent three eventful seasons in England with Manchester City.

Milan next take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.

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