adminThe Italian Football Federation had previously revealed that Balotelli would not play in tomorrow’s semi-final against Spain after scans revealed a torn muscle in his left thigh.
Italy had hoped he would return to fitness in time for either the final or the third-place play-off on Sunday, but Castellacci ruled out that possibility and said the 22-year-old striker would now return to AC Milan.
“This morning we carried out some tests, but the medical conditions are not satisfactory and the player cannot recover between now and the final on Sunday.
“We prefer not to take any risks,” Castellacci said during a press conference in Fortaleza.
“In agreement with the coach (Cesare Prandelli), it was decided to send him back to Milan after speaking to the medical staff at AC Milan, who will look after him.”
Prandelli said there had been no pressure from Milan for Balotelli to be allowed to return and refused to go into detail when he was asked who would take his place in the starting XI.
“Without Mario, we need to work even more at a collective level,” he said.
“We’ll have players with different characteristics, but the aim is to make the team even more compact.”
Concerning midfielder Andrea Pirlo Castellacci said: “He is continuing to work.” — AFP.
Online Reporter