'Maybe Mario's Absence Will Help Italy'

[Folami David]

Maybe Mario Balotelli's absence will have a positive effect on Italy.
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Coach Cesare Prandelli is hoping that without his strongest player, the Azzurri will gel together as a more solid unit in the Confederations Cup semifinal v Spain on Thursday.
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Prandelli says, "We lose something in terms of quality but maybe it can improve the quality of our play."
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Prandelli announced that Alberto Gilardino will take Balotelli's spot at centre forward.
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Gilardino shot to prominence under Prandelli at Parma a decade ago and also played for the manager at Fiorentina.
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Prandelli says, "He's a reliable player, a generous player, a reference point for the squad and a player who knows how to score goals. ... His numbers prove that."

[Shola Sholaz]

Mario Ballotelli's absence would definately be felt...Spain would definately take advantage of that..