Italy striker Mario Balotelli is out of the Confederations Cup because of a thigh injury and will home return to Milan for treatment.

The 22-year-old AC Milan frontman has been ruled out of not only the semi-final against Spain on Thursday, but now also Sunday's final or third-place play-off.

Enrico Castellacci, the head of Italy's medical staff, said on www.figc.it: 'I met with Balotelli this morning. The medical condition is not satisfactory, he cannot recover even for the finals on Sunday.

Goodbye: Mario Balotelli leaving Brazil with his girlfriend Fanny Neguesha

Back to Italy: The forward will miss the rest of the Confederations Cup

Issue: He will be treated for the thigh injury when he gets back

'To avoid unnecessary risks we decided, in agreement with (coach Cesare) Prandelli and after talking to the medical staff of AC Milan, we decided to send the player back to Milan.'

Balotelli picked up his injury in Saturday's 4-2 defeat by hosts Brazil.

Castellacci said midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who missed the Brazil game with a leg injury, had a chance to be fit for the Spain match.

Out: Mario Balotelli battling with David Luiz in Italy's match against Brazil

  
Looking to: Alberto Gilardino or Stephan El Shaarawy will likely be Balotelli's replacement as striker

He said: 'He is continuing to work hard and we are cautiously optimistic. But we have to evaluate his case day by day and if he does play against Spain it will be decided only at the last moment.'

Riccardo Montolivo sat out training on Monday after picking up a head injury in the previous night's game, but Castellacci said he was 'fine and available'.

Safe: Riccardo Montolivo sat out training after a head injury against Brazil, but should be fit for Spain