Balotelli scores twice on Milan debut

MILAN - Maverick striker Mario Balotelli flew straight into another storm as he made his AC Milan debut on Sunday, even if it was not directly of his making.

Balotelli, playing three days after completing his move from Manchester City, scored twice in the 2-1 win over Udinese after being included in the starting line-up at the last minute following an injury to Giampaolo Pazzini in the warm-up.

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli shoots to score a penalty against Udinese during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Feb 3, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

The second goal, a penalty converted three minutes into stoppage time, came amid furious protests from the visitors who claimed there was nothing wrong with Thomas Heurtaux's tackle on Stephan El Shaaraway.

El Shaaraway fell theatrically to the ground, rolling over at least three times, to win the penalty and the referee was surrounded by furious Udinese players after blowing the final whistle immediately after Balotelli's goal.

Udinese's sporting director Fabrizio Larini was fuming.

"We feel we've been done out of a point that we deserved to take home," he said. "Everybody saw it was not a penalty."

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted it was a fortuitous decision.

"We were lucky with the penalty, it could have been given or not given," he said. "The controversy was because it happened in the last 30 seconds.

"Balotelli played well and I think he has a lot to give Milan," he added.

Balotelli, playing for the club he supported during his boyhood, said he needed more match practice.

"I'm happy but I need to train to improve my fitnesses level," he said. "I wasn't supposed to start but it worked out well for me."

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli (L) celebrates with his team mate Stephan El Shaarawy after scoring against Udinese during their Italian Serie A soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Feb 3, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]