• Italy news

Balotelli to miss England clash

ESPN staff
August 13, 2012
Mario Balotelli has contracted conjunctivitis © Getty Images
Enlarge

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Italy's friendly encounter with England on Wednesday due to an eye infection.

Balotelli, 22, was one of Italy's stars on their run to the Euro 2012 final and had been expected to feature for his country in Berne, but has been released from the squad after contracting conjuctivitis.

Coach Cesare Prandelli has chosen to replace the striker with Udinese forward Diego Fabbrini, who scored twice in Serie A last season.

Balotelli, who missed Sunday's Community Shield clash with Chelsea, will now return to Manchester to continue his recovery ahead of the new campaign.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close