Italy forward Balotelli set to miss Confederations Cup clash against Spain

Italy have suffered a huge blow with the news their bad boy Mario Balotelli is set to miss the upcoming Confederations Cup clash against might Spain thorough injury.

The 22-year-old former Manchester City hitman sustained an injury during Italy’s 4-2 defeat against Brazil. He was sidelined after post-match tests and will be reassessed ahead of either final, if Italy make it through, or the third place play-off, if they suffer defeat at the hands of Spain.

A statement on an official Italian Football Federation web-site read: “The examinations carried out this afternoon [Sunday] in Fortaleza on Mario Balotelli showed a grade-one tear in the quadriceps muscle of the left leg.

“The player will not be available for the semi-final against Spain on Thursday, June 27 and in the coming days, his condition will be evaluated for the match on the 30th.”

Italy influential playmaker Andrea Pirlo is remaining a major doubt for the upcoming game, due to leg injury, while Riccardo Montolivo missed the training session because of head injury.