The controversial yet talented striker has been sent home from the Confederations Cup due to a strained thigh, an unwelcome news for the Italians ahead of the game against Spain
In what could be a defining moment for Italian national team’s aspirations of the 2013 Confederations Cup, star striker, Mario Balotelli has been sent packing home due to a strained thigh that had already ruled him out of the semi-final clash against Spain.
Regardless of what happens in that game, Super Mario will not play any part in the tournament, which is quite a disturbing news for Cesar Prandelli who in recent games, has relied heavily on the AC Milan star to spear head the Azzurri attack.
Quite understandably, Balotelli was gutted at not being able to be in a position to help them against a team that literally romped pass them in the European Championships final last year.
"I feel like a loser leaving this way. I would have liked to stay but there's the Champions League preliminary round so I've got to take care of myself," Balotelli said upon leaving the team hotel, referring to matches in August with Milan. "Anyhow my team-mates will do well even without me."
The former Manchester City man had injured his left quadriceps during Italy’s 4-2 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Saturday. The player has been by far Italy’s most explosive player at the tournament, scoring the winning goal against Mexico, converting a penalty against Japan and then providing an assist for Emanuele Giaccherini’s goal against Brazil.
Cesare Prandelli, who is already sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Andrea Pirlo, had to make a decision and it was to be a tough one considering the extent of the injury.
"He's obviously very upset but there's just not enough time for him to return," Prandelli said
After Ignazio Abate was sent home after dislocating his shoulder, Balotelli joins his AC Milan teammate and the two men would be clearly frustrated at not being able to play a part for the remainder of the tournament.
For most part of 2013, Mario Balotelli has spearheaded the Italian attack with the kind of self-confidence that only few players have. Ahead of the tournament, many people expected the striker to crumble under the pressure of playing at such a big event. Instead, the former Manchester City man took the game by the scruff of its neck and was the offensive inspiration Prandelli had hoped him to be.
Without Balotelli, it appears that Italy would be rather toothless in attack. Though Stephan El-Sharaway is a great option, the young Milan striker’s form in the past few months both for club and country leaves a lot to be desired. Sebastien Giovinco is another player who might be given the Balotelli role but the Juventus man is not as imposing as the former Manchester City striker.
Against Spain, Italy need a striker who can hassle and harrow the defenders. In Balotelli, they had a player who could have given them a fighting chance to get the best out of the reigning world champions and it appears that without him, Italy’s struggles will be compounded.
Regardless of what happens in that game, Super Mario will not play any part in the tournament, which is quite a disturbing news for Cesar Prandelli who in recent games, has relied heavily on the AC Milan star to spear head the Azzurri attack.
Quite understandably, Balotelli was gutted at not being able to be in a position to help them against a team that literally romped pass them in the European Championships final last year.
"I feel like a loser leaving this way. I would have liked to stay but there's the Champions League preliminary round so I've got to take care of myself," Balotelli said upon leaving the team hotel, referring to matches in August with Milan. "Anyhow my team-mates will do well even without me."
The former Manchester City man had injured his left quadriceps during Italy’s 4-2 defeat at the hands of Brazil on Saturday. The player has been by far Italy’s most explosive player at the tournament, scoring the winning goal against Mexico, converting a penalty against Japan and then providing an assist for Emanuele Giaccherini’s goal against Brazil.
Cesare Prandelli, who is already sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Andrea Pirlo, had to make a decision and it was to be a tough one considering the extent of the injury.
"He's obviously very upset but there's just not enough time for him to return," Prandelli said
After Ignazio Abate was sent home after dislocating his shoulder, Balotelli joins his AC Milan teammate and the two men would be clearly frustrated at not being able to play a part for the remainder of the tournament.
For most part of 2013, Mario Balotelli has spearheaded the Italian attack with the kind of self-confidence that only few players have. Ahead of the tournament, many people expected the striker to crumble under the pressure of playing at such a big event. Instead, the former Manchester City man took the game by the scruff of its neck and was the offensive inspiration Prandelli had hoped him to be.
Without Balotelli, it appears that Italy would be rather toothless in attack. Though Stephan El-Sharaway is a great option, the young Milan striker’s form in the past few months both for club and country leaves a lot to be desired. Sebastien Giovinco is another player who might be given the Balotelli role but the Juventus man is not as imposing as the former Manchester City striker.
Against Spain, Italy need a striker who can hassle and harrow the defenders. In Balotelli, they had a player who could have given them a fighting chance to get the best out of the reigning world champions and it appears that without him, Italy’s struggles will be compounded.
