While it all sounds like a bit of nonsense, there are reports doing the rounds in the media that Serie A sides Lazio and Parma F.C are looking to rescue Liverpool strike duo Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini from their unproductive spells in the Premier League.
Although he didn’t specifically answer the question posed to him, Lazio president Claudio Lotito failed to rule out the possibility of making a move for the out of favour Balotelli before the end of the month. The 24-year old has endured a torrid spell in England since switching Milan for Merseyside back in August, with just two goals to his name thus far. A number of sides have been linked with an interest in the controversial striker, though Lotito has been one of the few to comment directly.
Speaking at a press conference for the unveiling of defender Mauricio Dos Santos Nascimento, the Italian entrepreneur played it cool. “Balotelli? There are a lot of rumours” said the Lazio supremo when quizzed over whether or not the Biancazzurri had any interest in taking a chance on the 24-year old. “When I first came here, people ran away [from Lazio], now a lot of them want to come to Lazio. Whoever wants to join us must respect our standards.”
Balotelli isn’t the only one whose attracted a lot of attention this month though with compatriot Borini looking likely to head for the Anfield exit door sooner rather than later. While he may have found the net with a fine finish last weekend against Aston Villa to record his first Premier League goal of the campaign, the end of the former Roma man’s time on Merseyside looks to be nigh with Serie A strugglers Parma reportedly looking to bring him in on loan.
The 23-year old spent a spell with the Northern Italian side following his loan to then Championship side Swansea City before moving to Roma the following year. The Crusaders are currently rooted to the bottom of the Italian top-flight table and staring down a relegation scrap going into the business end of the season. While Borini has repeatedly resisted making a move away from Anfield, the prospect of more playing time could be as appealing to the youngster as the space in the squad — possibly freeing up a slot for Lyon powerhouse Alexandre Lacazette — would be to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
