Mario Balotelli has spent the last year eagerly relishing the prospect of a rematch with Spain, whom the 'Azzurri' could face in the Confederations Cup semi-finals on Thursday. "I have been waiting for Spain for a year. Revenge is a dish best served cold", the mercurial marksman posted on his official Facebook page.

Balotelli once again refused to face the media on Saturday, after Italy slipped to a 4-2 defeat to Brazil in Salvador de Bahia.

Italy was thrashed 4-0 by Spain in the 2012 European Championship final in Kiev. A rematch will be on the cards if the reigning European and world champion beats or draws with Nigeria in its last group game.