Mario Balotelli likes an entrance. In a week where police had to let off tear gas to disperse fervent AC Milan fans who greeted the Italian striker's homecoming, Balotelli rewarded them at the Giuseppe Meazza with a match-winning debut performance against Udinese.
Ironically he wasn't even supposed to start. Giampaolo Pazzini was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in the warm-up so Balotelli took his place in the lineup alongside Azzurri teammate Stephan el Shaarawy.
Balotelli's penalty proved to be the last kick of the match
And following his £19million arrival from Manchester City he duly delivered a clinical brace, his first goal arriving in the 25th minute.
Balotelli celebrates his winner
Gianpiero Pinzi pulled Udinese level in the second half as Milan drifted towards a draw, before fortune favoured the hosts. El Shaarawy milked a fair tackle from Thomas Heurtaux in stoppage-time like a three-course banquet to win a penalty to provide Balotelli the chance to win the game.
Balotelli is mobbed by his teammates
As Udinese players protested, Balotelli patiently waited, ball-juggling on the penalty spot until he was belatedly given the go-ahead.
The Rossonera were quick to hail their new hero
One of the best penalty takers around having scored seven from seven with City, he sent Daniele Padelli the wrong way to earn the Rossoneri three points.
He has now scored more league goals for Milan this season than he had in the Premier League.