Injuries force Balotelli to fly back from Italy camp

MARIO BALOTELLI has been sent home by Italy after picking up injuries in his groin and lower back.

The 24-year-old Liverpool striker sustained the injuries in training prior to today’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia.

He had picked up a slight hamstring strain last week but Italy team doctors believed he was fit to play in the Group H clash. However, further strains have forced him to return home for assessment and treatment.

Balotelli (right) had earned his first call-up to the Italy squad since the World Cup, and his first under new boss Antonio Conte.

Even though he has made an inauspicious start to his Anfield career following his £16m summer switch from AC Milan, it presents another injury headache for Brendan Rodgers.

Better news for the Liverpool chief is that Daniel Sturridge has returned to full training after more than two months out.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland were knocked off the top of Group F on Friday night but manager Michael O’Neill refused to be disheartened following the 2-0 defeat in Romania.

Northern Ireland had won their first three games but two late goals from full-back Paul Papp in Bucharest saw the Romanians leapfrog O’Neill’s men at the top of the group. O’Neill said: ‘We were beaten by the better team on the night but we couldn’t have asked for more than nine points from four matches.’

Northern Ireland’s next qualifier is at home to Finland in March, and O’Neill said: ‘We’ve played our two hardest away games and the key is now our next two home games. Win those and we’re still in great shape.’

Meanwhile, Dick Advocaat has resigned as coach of Serbia in the wake of their dismal 3-1 home defeat against Group I pace-setters Denmark.

Advocaat, the former Rangers and Holland manager, only took over in the summer. ‘I am sorry it was not able to work out,’ he said. ‘I take responsibility for everything and think I made the honourable decision.’