AC Milan: Mario Balotelli Scores 2 More, Says Milan Can Reach Barcelona's Level

Mario Balotelli keeps on scoring, and AC Milan keep on winning—in Italy, at least. Together, they might be targeting the biggest fish in the pond.

Balotelli scored both goals as Milan beat struggling Palermo 2-0 on Sunday at the San Siro. The victory was Milan's third straight in Serie A and fourth in five matches. The Rossoneri are unbeaten in the league since a 4-2 reverse at Roma on Dec. 22 but remain 11 points behind runaway leaders Juventus.

Most of Milan's strong run has coincided with Balotelli's arrival from Manchester City near the end of the January transfer window. In six matches (five starts) with the club, the Italian international forward has scored seven goals.

Two more came Sunday. Balotelli put Milan ahead with an eighth-minute penalty (he also drew the foul in the box ahead of the spot kick), then doubled the lead by slamming home a rebound in the 66th minute.

Afterwards, Balotelli said Milan are taking "each game as it comes" and "going forward" as a team.

"I'm here to win, and I'll do all I can to help this team win," he said.

That interview, from the official AC Milan YouTube, appears above and serves as our Set Piece Video of the Day for this international week Monday. Enjoy.

Elsewhere, Balotelli also spoke about Barcelona, the team that knocked Milan out of the UEFA Champions League recently. Balotelli was unable to play in the last-16 matches because he was cup-tied to Manchester City, but he said Milan can reach Barca's "level."

"We must continue to work as a group (if we want to compete with Juventus and Barca)," Balotelli told Sky Sports (via ESPN FC). "Maybe we do not play like Barcelona but we can get to their level, because we beat them at home. But what is gone is gone and today we recovered."

So what do we think, readers? Balotelli has obviously been a fine addition to Milan's squad, but can they reach Barcelona's level?

Let us know what you think about Milan's improvement—and Balotelli's latest goals—in the comments below.

Follow @MikeCummings37