In 1997, he joined Salernitana, obtaining a personal third consecutive promotion with the Campanian side, and playing with them also in the following season, the first in the Italian top flight for Balli.
Now without a team, 35-year-old Balli returned into active football only in January 2003, joining Serie C2 club Nocerina.
In September 2003 he then made a comeback to Empoli, in search for an experienced goalkeeper, thus returning to play into Serie A as second choice behind former Italian international Luca Bucci.
The following two seasons saw Balli being sided by youngster Davide Bassi for the first choice goalie role.
[4] However, on 21 February, eight days after his signing, Pisa announced to have parted company with Balli under player's request, citing the veteran goalie's doubts regarding his fitness conditions as being the main reason for this choice.