Mario Balotelli was delighted with his brace on debut in AC Milan's 2-1 win over Udinese. The former Manchester City striker was handed a surprise start after Giampaolo Pazzini's pre-match thigh injury.

"I was supposed to be on the bench, but then Pazzo hurt himself so I played instead," Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia.

"I'm happy it turned out like that, as I put in a good performance. We are strong in attack, even if I haven't played much and feel my legs are heavy. I must work to improve my fitness levels.

"It is a good start, but now I must continue scoring goals. We created a great deal this evening, but Daniele Padelli performed some good saves.

"We deserved to win and in the end we did it."