Italy striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of his side’s Confederations Cup semi-final against Spain on Thursday with a thigh injury, the Italian Football Federation said.

“Examinations carried out on Mario Balotelli on Sunday in Fortaleza showed a grade-one tear in the quadriceps muscle of the left leg,” an Azzurri statement said.

“The player will not be available for the semi-final against Spain on Thursday, June 27 and in the coming days his condition will be evaluated for the match on the 30th (either the final or third-place play-off).”

Balotelli, who left Manchester City for Milan earlier this year, has scored twice in the tournament, and would have been expected to once again lead his side’s attack in Fortaleza against the world and European champions.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hopes to have playmaker Andrea Pirlo available after he missed Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to hosts Brazil in the final Group A game with a sore calf.

Balotelli’s absence is a huge blow for the Azzurri, who have already lost Ignazio Abate for the rest of the tournament due to a dislocated shoulder. Riccardo Montolivo is also at risk against Spain with a head trauma, though there is optimism that he can make it.

Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport reported yesterday that Prandelli was considering a 3-5-2 module for Thursday’s match to shore up a shaky defence.

Prandelli has deployed his team in a 4-3-2-1 system so far at the Confederations Cup with Balotelli being fielded as a lone striker.

However, the eight goals Italy conceded in their three games in Brazil could force Prandelli to field a three-man defence, that would include Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the middle, with their Juventus team-mate Emanuele Giaccherini on the wing along with Christian Maggio, of Napoli.

Balotelli’s place in attack is likely to be filled by Alberto Gilardino.

Brazil take on Uruguay in the other semi-final tomorrow.