Italy sends injured Mario Balotelli homeJune 23, 2013
By Associated Press
Italian team doctor confirms Balotelli departureItaly's team doctor confirmed that Mario Balotelli will miss the rest of the Confederations Cup with a thigh injury.
FORTALEZA, Brazil --
Mario Balotellihas been sent home from the Confederations Cup due to a strained thigh,leaving Italy without its top striker for both the semifinal vs. Spainand the final or third-place match.
Having already been ruled out of the semifinal a day earlier, Italycoach Cesare Prandelli decided to send Balotelli home Monday afterconsulting with team physician Enrico Castellacci.
Castellacci said it wasn't worth risking further damage for Balotelliand that AC Milan's medical staff will take over treatment.
As for
Andrea Pirlo,who sat out Saturday's match with Brazil due to a muscle problem,Castellacci said he was "optimistic" he could play vs. Spain onThursday. Also, midfielder
Riccardo Montolivo has fully recuperated from a knock to the head.
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