Balotelli thigh problem confirmed

By Football Italia staff

Italy’s chief medic has confirmed Mario Balotelli suffered a thigh problem and is at risk for the semi-final.

The striker was spotted limping after the 4-2 defeat to Brazil last night, prompting fears he could miss Thursday’s big match with Spain.

This evening Professor Enrico Castellacci told journalists he has a left thigh problem that will require further tests.

It is only a minor injury, but time is short ahead of the Confederations Cup semi-final on Thursday.

Riccardo Montolivo should be fit to start after he went off against Brazil with head trauma, while Andrea Pirlo is recovering well from a calf injury that kept him out of that game.

Ignazio Abate has already left the Azzurri camp and is flying back to Italy for treatment on a dislocated shoulder.

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