MILAN: Italy striker Mario Balotelli was ruled out of yesterday night’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia because of a groin strain, having only just been called back into the squad for the first time since the World Cup.
“He couldn’t train, it was pointless to keep him with the group, at least I’ve had the chance to check on him for a few days,” Italy coach Antonio Conte told a news conference having previously left the maverick forward out while he settles at his new club Liverpool. Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna is also out of the Group H clash in Milan.
Neither team were able to train at the San Siro on the eve of the game due to the severe downpours which have hit northern Italy and forced the rugby international with Argentina to be brought forward by a day to Friday.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac, whose side top the group with three wins from three like Italy, said: “If the weather continues like this we won’t be able to play.”
AFP
