Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin explains how he became only the second man to save a Mario Balotelli penalty.
Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin explains how he became only the second man to save a Mario Balotelli penalty.
Before last night’s 1-1 draw, the only other shot-stopper to deny a Balo spot-kick in senior competitive games was Pepe Reina for Napoli.
“I had studied Balotelli’s penalty technique, though of course in these situations you also need a lot of luck,” 21-year-old Perin told Mediaset Premium.
“I was going to my right, but then I saw he was watching me during the run-up, so the moment he looked down at the ball I changed direction at the last second.
“My experience last season at Pescara was very useful. I used to collapse at the first mistake, but I don’t this year. I keep my head up and know I can still be decisive.”