Injured Balotelli sent home from Confed Cup

FORTALEZA, Brazil - Mario Balotelli has been sent home from the Confederations Cup due to a strained thigh, leaving Italy without its top striker for both the semifinal vs. Spain and the final or third-place match.

Italy's Mario Balotelli (L) reacts as Brazil's David Luiz fouls him during their Confederations Cup Group A soccer match at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador June 22, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Having already been ruled out of the semifinal a day earlier, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli decided to send Balotelli home Monday after consulting with team physician Enrico Castellacci.

Castellacci said it wasn't worth risking further damage for Balotelli and that AC Milan's medical staff will take over treatment.

As for Andrea Pirlo, who sat out Saturday's match with Brazil due to a muscle problem, Castellacci said he was ''optimistic'' he could play vs. Spain on Thursday. Also, midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has fully recuperated from a knock to the head.