Mario Balotelli made his long-awaited return to Serie A on Monday, appearing for the first time in four years as a substitute in Genoa’s 1-0 win over Parma.

Balotelli, who joined Genoa last week, entered the game in the 86th minute and received a yellow card in injury time for a foul.

Mario Balotelli of Genoa CFC looks on during the Serie A match against Parma. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)

The win is Genoa’s first victory since August 24, lifting them to 17th place in the standings.

Parma had a strong start in the game with close attempts from Valentin Mihaila and Anas Haj Mohamed but lost it to Genoa who took control in the second half.

Morten Thorsby had a goal disallowed at the 49-minute mark, and Andrea Pinamonti later hit the post. Pinamonti eventually secured the win with a rebound goal in the 79th minute, capitalizing on Jeff Ekhator’s low shot.

The result extends Parma’s winless streak to nine matches, leaving them in 15th place.

Mario Balotelli last played in Italy’s top league with Brescia in the 2019-20 season.

Since then, the former Italy international’s career took him to various leagues; he last played with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, where he struggled with injuries, including a knee issue requiring surgery.

Genoa, grappling with an injury-hit squad and relegation concerns, saw Balotelli as a low-cost signing after he became a free agent, hoping his experience could revitalize their offense​.