<p> Mario Balotelli could miss Italy’s opening match of the Confederations Cup against Mexico on Sunday after suffering a thigh injury while training. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said medical staff would carefully monitor the 22-year-old on Saturday before making a decision on his fitness. “He felt pain and was taken off.<br /><br /> I think he will be able to play but we can’t make any guarantees because the players have not had a break after a long and arduous season,” Castellacci said. <br /><br />Balotelli’s absence would leave Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli needing to decide between Stephan El Shaarawy, Alberto Gilardino and Sebastian Giovincoand Alessio Cerci as the AC Milan striker’s replacement. <br /><br />“Mario is our principal striker and is feared by our rivals but we also have other forwards who are able to contribute,” Italy defender Andrea Barzagli said.<br /><br />Both Italy and Mexico will train at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday. Organisers said Sunday’s match had already sold more than 60,000 tickets.</p>
<p> Mario Balotelli could miss Italy’s opening match of the Confederations Cup against Mexico on Sunday after suffering a thigh injury while training. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said medical staff would carefully monitor the 22-year-old on Saturday before making a decision on his fitness. “He felt pain and was taken off.<br /><br /> I think he will be able to play but we can’t make any guarantees because the players have not had a break after a long and arduous season,” Castellacci said. <br /><br />Balotelli’s absence would leave Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli needing to decide between Stephan El Shaarawy, Alberto Gilardino and Sebastian Giovincoand Alessio Cerci as the AC Milan striker’s replacement. <br /><br />“Mario is our principal striker and is feared by our rivals but we also have other forwards who are able to contribute,” Italy defender Andrea Barzagli said.<br /><br />Both Italy and Mexico will train at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday. Organisers said Sunday’s match had already sold more than 60,000 tickets.</p>