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Mexico national football team
Confederations Cup | Groups
Jun 16, 2013 at 8pm UK
 
Italy national football team

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Cesare Prandelli: 'Mario Balotelli will play against Mexico'

Prandelli: 'Balotelli will play vs. Mexico'
© PA Photos
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli reveals that he expects Mario Balotelli to play in the Confederations Cup game against Mexico.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed that Mario Balotelli has a "good chance" of starting tonight's Confederations Cup game against Mexico.

The AC Milan striker was considered a major doubt for the match after getting injured in training with the Azzurri.

However, Prandelli has told reporters ahead of the encounter that he expects the forward to feature.

"There's a good chance Balotelli will play," said Prandelli. "We have to take into account the physical aspect and the fitness levels of the squad right now.

"The muscular problems we've had in training just shows that we worked with great intensity. I'm convinced everyone will reach peak fitness at the right time.

"We have players of great quality, especially in midfield, and have built the side around their movement and possession. We also experimented with a few different options, but this is the one that gives us the most guarantees."

Host nation Brazil kicked off the tournament with a 3-0 win against Japan in Group A on Saturday.

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Italy striker Mario Balotelli dispatches a penalty against Malta on March 26, 2013
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Portugal Portugal32107
2 Mexico Mexico32107
3 Russia Russia31023
4 New Zealand New Zealand30030

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Germany Germany32107
2 Chile Chile31205
3 Australia Australia30212
4 Cameroon flag Cameroon30121


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