Mario Balotelli ruled out for Italy

Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Friday with a thigh injury.

The AC Milan striker missed the Azzurri's training session on Wednesday after feeling a strain in his left leg.

Balotelli, 23, had the problem assessed at a local hospital where doctors confirmed that he could not take part in the match in Copenhagen.

Italy have already secured their place at next year's World Cup finals, while Denmark still have a chance of making the playoffs.