Mario Balotelli repaid coach Roberto Mancini’s faith with a goal against Saudi Arabia. But it was not the goal that captured the hearts of the whole world, the controversial striker chose to dedicate his goal to the late Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.
‘I know it is late. I know you’re not here now.. But I am convinced that you were looking at my dad at the top today. This goal, even if it doesn’t mean anything, even if it doesn’t serve anything, I dedicate it to you #davideastori.’ Balotelli, who returned to the national team after a long absence posted on Instagram after the 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
The Fiorentina captain shocked the whole footballing world after he died suddenly in his sleep in March.