Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Italy’s Confederations Cup semi-final with Spain, as reports suggest Cesare Prandelli is considering a change in tactics.
The Azzurri booked their place in the last four of the competition thanks to a second-place finish in Group A and they will now face up to La Roja in Foraleza on Thursday, after Vicente del Bosque’s men confirmed top spot in Group B.
However, Italy will be without striker Balotelli, after tests confirmed that the Milan man’s thigh injury sustained on Saturday against Brazil would not heal in time for the game.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Prandelli is considering a switch back to a 3-5-2 formation for the reunion with Spain.
It is a tactic that he successfully deployed against La Roja in the group stages of last summer’s European Championships, for a game that ended 1-1.
So far this summer the Italians have played in a 4-3-2-1 shape. Alberto Gilardino is speculated as taking Balotelli’s place in attack, whilst Christian Maggio may start on the right wing, after Ignazio Abate suffered a dislocated shoulder against Brazil.
