Italian national team forward Mario Balotelli will be out of action for his team's semifinal matchup against Spain in the Confederations Cup. Balotelli is experiencing a strained thigh injury, adding to Italy's list of injury woes before facing the defending World Cup champions.
The announcement of Balotelli's absence in the Spain matchup was made by the Italian Football Federation after Balotelli underwent medical tests on his left quadriceps. Balotelli suffered the injury during his team's 4-2 loss to Brazil on Saturday.
The federation added that the forward would be monitored in hopes for a potential return for the team's next matchup - either the final or third-place game.
Italy will face Spain on Thursday and either the final or third-place game on June 30. The Italians will have their hands full against the top-ranked Spanish team without their top goal scorer.
Balotelli has scored in Italy's 2-1 win over Mexico, on a penalty shot in a 4-3 win over Japan and assisted on Emanuele Giaccherini's goal in the loss to Brazil. He has also served as the team's only true forward during each match in the tournament.
Italy is expected to play Alberto Gilardino in the absence of Balotelli if coach Cesare Prandelli stays with a single-striker formation. However, he could also use several forwards including Stephan El Shaarawy, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessio Ceri or Alessandro Diamanti.
Italy have had injury concerns throughout the tournament at other positions as well. Andrea Pirlo was expected to return after the loss to Brazil, however was taken off the practice field by trainers after a light running session Sunday.
Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has been continuously evaluated after a head-on collision that led to a cerebral scan with negative results. Fullback Ignazio Abate was also out of action after dislocating his right shoulder.
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