Italy's Balotelli to miss Estonia game with injury

Published May. 31, 2011 2:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

Italy striker Mario Balotelli will miss the European Championship qualifier against Estonia on Friday after injuring his right knee in training.

The Italian federation said on its website Tuesday that the Manchester City striker had to be helped off the field after getting hurt during a practice match against Italy's under-18 team.

Balotelli battled injuries for much of the season, but returned for City's FA Cup final win over Stoke City and was honored as man of the match.

Italy is atop Euro 2012 qualifying Group C, five points ahead of Slovenia and Serbia. Cesare Prandelli's team also has an exhibition against Ireland in Liege on June 7.