At the conclusion of Genoa's 1-0 away victory over Parma in Serie A on Monday night, Alberto Gilardino's team achieved only their second league victory of the 2024–25 season, and Mario Balotelli made his debut in a cameo. After 80 minutes, Andrea Pinamonti scored the game's lone goal. When Zion Suzki blocked Jeff Ekhator's strong drive back into the danger zone, he was there to convert the rebound.

With seven shots on goal compared to Parma's nil, Genoa had been the offensive third's much superior club. Balotelli also made his debut in Genoa colors. Despite joining the Grifone as a free agent precisely one week ago, the former Italy international did not play in Thursday's 1-0 loss to Fiorentina. In the 85th minute, he replaced Ekhator on the field. With the win, Genoa has moved up to 17th position in Serie A, above Monza, Venezia, and Lecce, with nine points from 11 games, and out of the relegation zone.