Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool move backed by Gianfranco Zola

Former Italy international Gianfranco Zola says Mario Balotelli is the “perfect fit” for Liverpool.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 31, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli in action against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Zola, now 48-years-old, was speaking at the Soccerex Global Convention in Manchester and says Balotelli’s move to Anfield is a great opportunity for the former Manchester City striker.

“I hope Mario takes the chance very well and Liverpool can have a lot of benefit from it,” Zola is quoted on the Independent‘s website as saying. “I believe Mario technically and tactically is the perfect fit for Liverpool.”

Balotelli completed his £16 million move to Liverpool from AC Milan last month, making his debut in the Reds’ 3-0 victory over Tottenham on August 31st.

With injury concerns to Daniel Sturridge, Balotelli may play a bigger role when Liverpool host Aston Villa this Saturday in the Premier League.

And Zola believes the fresh start given to Balotelli on Merseyside by Brendan Rodgers is being taken seriously by the player himself.

“I think it will depend a lot on Mario’s attitude towards it,” Zola added.

“I think it is very important for him. I believe it is a massive opportunity for him to make a step forward in his career and his knowledge of football.”

Should Balotelli face Aston Villa on Saturday, it will be his first appearance in front of the Kop, but the Italian has already been using his Instagram account to win over the Liverpool faithful.

Should Balotelli be played as a lone striker if Sturridge misses Saturday’s game against Villa? Let us know your thoughts on how he should be deployed in the comments section below.