Balotelli could miss Ireland clash

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has picked up a knee injury in training ahead of the match against Ireland on Monday and could well miss Italy’s last Group C game with Ireland.



The Manchester City striker pulled up during Saturday’s training session with a right knee problem and will undergo tests on Sunday to see the extent of the damage.



It is likely that Italian manager Cesare Prandelli will not risk Balotelli for Monday evening’s must-win match, especially as he already underwent surgery on that knee in the past.



There had already been reports from the Italian press that Balotelli would be dropped after failing to impress against Spain and Croatia. Balotelli had stated before the tournament that, were he to be subjected to racist abuse, he would walk off the pitch. This has not come to pass so far however.



Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale, who scored the opening goal against Spain, is now expected to partner Antonio Cassano in attack.



Italy must win to progress to the knock out stages of the Euro 2012. Any other result and the Azzurri are out of the tournament. A 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia would also eliminate the Italians. The Republic of Ireland have already been eliminated, though a victory over Italy would see the Boys in Green finish third in the Group.