Mario Balotelli Backs Roma as Scudetto Dark Horse, Opens Up About Near-Juventus Transfer

FolioPitch.com – 11 July 2026 | In a recent interview, Mario Balotelli has made headlines with his bold predictions for the upcoming Serie A season. Balotelli names Roma as surprise Scudetto pick and reveals near-Juventus move, offering insights into his career and the state of Italian football. The former Inter and AC Milan striker, now playing for Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, shared his thoughts on the title race and a transfer that almost materialized.

Balotelli, never one to shy away from controversy, tipped Inter Milan as the team to beat in Serie A next season. However, he added a surprising twist by naming Roma as a potential dark horse. “Inter remain the team to beat,” he stated, but when asked about contenders like Napoli, Milan, and Juventus, he replied: “Yes, but I want to add a surprise: Roma.” This statement, Balotelli names Roma as surprise Scudetto pick and reveals near-Juventus move, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.

The 33-year-old also reflected on his time with former Inter teammate Cristian Chivu, now a coach at the San Siro. “He was always switched on, even as a player, already a coach on the pitch, tactically ready and intelligent,” Balotelli said of the man with whom he won the treble in 2010.

In a revealing portion of the interview, Balotelli names Roma as surprise Scudetto pick and reveals near-Juventus move that never happened. “Yes, after Manchester City. Then I ended up at Milan, so no regrets, it was a choice,” he explained. “Of course, that Juventus side was strong.” The admission offers a glimpse into the what-ifs of his storied career.

Balotelli also backed Massimiliano Allegri, who recently took over at Napoli amid criticism. “Recently I’ve read a lot of criticism of him, but when I had him at Milan I liked him a great deal,” Balotelli said. “If he’s still that man, he’ll do well.”

On a somber note, Balotelli addressed Italy’s absence from a third consecutive World Cup. As the last Italian to score in a World Cup (in 2014), he expressed dismay: “It’s nothing to be proud of, quite the opposite, it’s a sad thing. Too many years have passed.”

The interview, reported by Sport Mediaset via TuttoMercatoWeb, shows Balotelli still passionate about the game and Italy’s future. Whether his prediction for Roma holds true remains to be seen, but his words have certainly added intrigue to the upcoming Serie A campaign.

In conclusion, Mario Balotelli’s outspoken nature continues to draw attention. His endorsement of Roma as a surprise contender and the revelation of a near-move to Juventus highlight his enduring relevance in football discourse.