Italy's Balotelli won't play against Spain

Italy striker Mario Balotelli will play no further part in the Confederations Cup and is to return home to receive treatment on a thigh injury.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) 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.

"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," Italy's team doctor said.

"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."

Prandelli said there had been no pressure from Milan for Balotelli (pictured) to be allowed to return and wouldn't say 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."