From Serie D exile to Saudi reunion: Costa and Balotelli reunite

The bench at Chievo’s Serie D ground was still warm when Douglas Costa signed his release papers.

Former Juventus winger Douglas Costa has left Serie D side Chievo Verona and will join Mario Balotelli at Al Ittifaq in Saudi Arabia. Costa’s contract with Chievo expired at the end of June, closing a six-month chapter that began when the Italian club restarted in the fourth tier following bankruptcy.

The Brazilian completed 11 appearances for Chievo, contributing one assist during his brief stay. His move to Al Ittifaq reunites him with Balotelli, a long-time friend who helped broker the original Chievo deal through director Andrea Fulco.

The connection runs deeper: Italian entrepreneur Pietro Laterza owns both Chievo and Al Ittifaq, creating a direct link between the two clubs. Costa’s transfer was structured as a temporary arrangement, designed to keep him eligible until foreign-player registration windows reopened in Dubai.

Balotelli’s influence extended beyond friendship—he acted as an intermediary, facilitating Costa’s initial agreement with Chievo. The pair will now play together again, this time in Saudi Arabia.

Al Ittifaq’s squad recruitment is gathering pace. Reports indicate another potential signing could be Enock Barwuah, Balotelli’s brother, who currently plays for Serie D side Desenzano.

Costa’s career has taken unusual turns: spells at Grêmio, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and LA Galaxy preceded his time in Serie D. His contract with Chievo was set to expire in January 2026, but the move to Saudi Arabia resolves his immediate future.

The reunion in Riyadh marks a new chapter for both players, uniting two figures whose careers have intersected across Italy and now the Middle East.