Injured Balotelli and Pazzini out of Serbia match

Injured Balotelli and Pazzini out of Serbia match

Published Oct. 5, 2011 10:48 a.m. ET

Italy forwards Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini have left the squad with injuries, two days before Friday's European Championship qualifier in Serbia.

Balotelli has a back problem and Pazzini has a heel injury. Also, fullback Domenico Criscito was sent home Tuesday with a muscle problem.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli called up Argentine-born forward Pablo Osvaldo and Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna as replacements.

Meanwhile, forward Giuseppe Rossi's condition has improved after leaving a training match Tuesday with a knee injury.

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Italy has already qualified for Euro 2012, while Serbia is still attempting to earn a spot at next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

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