Mario Balotelli plays in his first home game for Al Ittifaq FC - in pictures

  • Mario Balotelli, left, playing his first home game for Al Ittifaq since joining as a free agent in January, 2026. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Mario Balotelli, left, playing his first home game for Al Ittifaq since joining as a free agent in January, 2026. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Italian striker Mario Balotelli, centre top, lines up alongside his Al Ittifaq teammates before the UAE First Division game against Al Arabi at Shabab Al Ahli Stadium, Dubai, on February 20, 2026.
    Italian striker Mario Balotelli, centre top, lines up alongside his Al Ittifaq teammates before the UAE First Division game against Al Arabi at Shabab Al Ahli Stadium, Dubai, on February 20, 2026.
  • Al Ittifaq striker Mario Balotelli heads the ball during the game against Al Arabi.
    Al Ittifaq striker Mario Balotelli heads the ball during the game against Al Arabi.
  • Mario Balotelli is congratulated by Al Ittifaq teammates after scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 defeat to Al Arabi.
    Mario Balotelli is congratulated by Al Ittifaq teammates after scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 defeat to Al Arabi.
  • Mario Balotelli in action against Al Arabi.
    Mario Balotelli in action against Al Arabi.
  • Mario Balotelli holds his head after a missed opportunity.
    Mario Balotelli holds his head after a missed opportunity.
  • Al Ittifaq striker Mario Balotelli during a goalmouth scramble against Al Arabi.
    Al Ittifaq striker Mario Balotelli during a goalmouth scramble against Al Arabi.
  • Al Ittifaq's Mario Balotelli embraces an Al Arabi player before kick-off.
    Al Ittifaq's Mario Balotelli embraces an Al Arabi player before kick-off.