Game over for Super Mario! Balotelli misses a penalty for the first time in his career, so where does the Italian stand among the other spot kick greats such as Eric Cantona and Matt Le Tissier?
Italian striker had converted 26 penalties in succession before his miss
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It had to end sooner or later.
After 26 successfully converted penalties for club and country (in both friendlies and official matches), Mario Balotelli missed the first spot kick of his career in Milan’s 2-1 defeat against Napoli in Serie A on Sunday.
Pepe Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper on loan at Napoli, outfoxed the usually cool and calculated Balotelli and pushed his 61st-minute effort wide, much to the amazement of the San Siro faithful.
The striker then ended the match in typically controversial fashion, scoring in the 91st-minute to offer a glimmer of hope, before being shown a second yellow card after the whistle for arguing with the referee. He later received a three-match ban for intimidating the official.
But where does Balotelli stand in the pantheon of penalty greats?
To see our gallery, CLICK HERE, or click view gallery.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments