Balotelli ruled out of Croatia qualifier

MILAN - Italy striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia due to a hamstring injury, reports from the Azzurri training camp said on Saturday.

Balotelli had been called into the squad by coach Antonio Conte after being sidelined for Italy's opening three wins in Group H.

Several reports in Italy cited medical staff as saying Balotelli would return to England after being diagnosed with a hamstring and adductor problem.

Italy sit second in Group H behind Croatia after three opening wins for each side but have not beaten the Croats in 72 years.