Balotelli makes instant impact

MANCHESTER City edged closer to a place in the group stages of the Europa League — thanks to its Italian connection.

Blues chief Roberto Mancini marked his first match at this level for the club by steering them to a 1–0 victory against Timisoara in their play–off first–leg match in Romania last night.

The winning goal came from Mancini’s fellow countryman Mario Balotelli, the striker stepping off the bench to sweep the ball home from close range in the 72nd minute.

It has been a whirlwind week for the 20–year–old whose registration was received by UEFA on deadline day after he arrived from Inter Milan for a reported £24million.