Mario Balotelli came off the bench to score the winner in a dream debut against Romanian side Timisoara. Balotelli scored from close range after good work from team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor in the 72nd minute.
“He had a great debut and I am happy that he scored. He is a good player,” said City boss Roberto Mancini.
“He needs to improve of course and get to know everybody. It was the first time he had played with the team.”
The goal will put Balotelli in contention for a start against City’s next Premier League opponents Liverpool on Monday 23rd August.