Mario Balotelli was sent home from the Confederations Cup on Monday due to a strained thigh, leaving Italy without its top striker for both the semifinal vs. Spain and the final or third-place match.
According to FOX News, Having already been ruled out of Thursday's semifinal, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli decided to send Balotelli home after consulting with team physician Enrico Castellacci.
''He's obviously very upset but there's just not enough time for him to return,'' Prandelli said. ''We just used good sense.''
Balotelli injured his left quadriceps during Italy's 4-2 loss to Brazil on Saturday.
Castellacci said that AC Milan's medical staff will take over treatment.
''I checked out Balotelli this morning and, considering his condition, I don't think he will be able to recuperate before the final,'' Castellacci said. ''It's not worth taking more risks.''
Balotelli is the second Italy player sent home since the Brazil match, with fullback Ignazio Abate - who also plays for Milan - having left Sunday with a dislocated right shoulder.
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