Knee issue clouds Balotelli

Italy striker Mario Balotelli could miss their final Euro 2012 group game against the Republic of Ireland after he endured a knock to his knee at training.

The Manchester City forward started both of his team’s fixtures so far in Poland and Ukraine, against Spain and Croatia, but failed to find the back of the net.

Balotelli left training early with a knee problem, and will require a scan to determine the full extent of the injury, according to Tg1.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to replace the former Inter man with Udinese’s Antonio Di Natale, who will play alongside AC Milan’s Antonio Cassano.

Prandelli’s side need a victory in their final group game, and must hope that the encounter between Spain and Croatia does not end in a 2-2 draw or higher in order to advance to the quarter-finals.