Italian striker Mario Balotelli will not anymore play a single game in the Confederation Cup after suffering a thigh injury in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Brazil.

Balotelli's injury is a big blow to Italy as the Azurri prepare for the upcoming semifinal clash and Euro Championship finals rematch with powerhouse Spain.

Although early diagnosis suggested the Italian striker could play in the final round or the battle-for-third match, the Azzuri decided to send their best striker home just to avoid further injury.

"I met with Balotelli this morning," Castellaci told www.figc.it on Monday. "The medical condition is not satisfactory, he cannot recover even for the finals on Sunday. "To avoid unnecessary risks we decided, in agreement with (coach Cesare).

Balotelli played solid for Italy in all three preliminary matches, even though he did not score a goal in the pre-FIFA World Cup tourney.

The AC Milan goal-scorer split last season with Internazionale and AC Milan. He scored 12 goals in 13 appearances for the Italian soccer powerhouse.