Balotelli inspired crazy Douglas Costa transfer to Chievo

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 7:26 AM ET

Ex-Italy star Mario Balotelli inspired Douglas Costa’s move to Chievo Verona: ‘Mario said Douglas wanted to talk to us,’ said a Chievo Verona director.

Italian striker Balotelli somehow inspired Douglas Costa’s transfer to Chievo Verona in Italy’s fourth division, Serie D.

How Balotelli contributed to Douglas Costa’s Chievo move

TURIN, ITALY – JULY 20: Douglas Costa (L) of Juventus is challenged by Danilo Cataldi of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on July 20, 2020 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Chievo director Andrea Fulco told Sky Sport Italia (via TMW) on Sunday: “The idea came when we took a flight with Mario to sign with Al Ittifaq, of whom I manage the sporting area. Mario said Douglas wanted to talk to us, so we had a first chat and then booked another appointment.”

Italian entrepreneur Pietro Laterza owns both Chievo and Al Ittifaq.

“There was a video call, which was also attended by the President, in the following days,” Fulco continued.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 20: Douglas Costa of Sydney FC embraces with the fans after the round 27 A-League Men match between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium, on April 20, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

“I would have loved to bring Douglas to Dubai straight away, but we had already filled the spots [for foreign players] with Balotelli, so the only thing I could offer him was to join Chievo until June before going to Dubai.

“He needs to get organised, he has a family, and he’ll arrive in Italy soon. We can’t wait to see him on the pitch. It’s a coup that everyone enjoys because it gives important motivations.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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