Soccer: Balotelli important player says Vieira (3)

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 22 - Mario Balotelli is an important player for Genoa, new boss Patrick Vieira said ahead of this weekend's clash against fellow strugglers Cagliari at the Ferraris.
    "I know Mario well, he's a player and a person I've always liked," said the Arsenal and France legend, who had the mercurial former Italy striker under his wing at Nice.
    "Even as a player he's an important player, who knows how to score goals.
    "Now he has to continue working, he's done it very well.
    "Now he has to be available to the team and the club to win matches.
    "He's an important player".
    Former Gunners, Juventus, Inter and Man City player and Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg tactician Vieira, 48, has found the 34-year-old Balotelli again in Rossoblù after the experience with several disagreements they had at Nice.
    Balotelli has said he is highly motivated to shine for Genoa, who have been hit by an injury crisis in attack.
    Ex Inter, Man City, Liverpool and Ac Milan star Balotelli played in Turkey for Adana Demirspor last season.
    The former Super Mario last played in Serie A in an ill-fated spell for Brescia in 2019-20.
    Vieira came in for former Milan and Italy forward Alberto Gilardino who was sacked last week.
    The 42-year-old had been in charge of Genoa for two years and led them to promotion from Serie B in the 2022-23 campaign before guiding them to safety last season. (ANSA).