Forward Mario Balotelli has been dropped by Italy coach Roberto Mancini for Monday’s Nations League game against Portugal after a poor performance against Poland.
The Azzurri take on the European champions in Lisbon, with Nice striker Balotelli set to miss his first game since being brought back into the fold by Mancini when he took over last May.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has also been left out along with Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani and Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.
Mancini confirmed Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa would start after the 20-year-old proved pivotal when he came on last Friday, along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Balotelli came under fire for his performance in their Nations League opener against Poland on Friday, where they were held 1-1.
The 28-year-old was substituted with a muscular problem, with Mancini conceding his fitness level was a problem.
But the former Manchester City boss defended his player from criticism.
“A player knows when he has played well or badly,” he said.
“I think Mario knows full well what his performance against Poland was like. Criticism is part of the game.
“We are only at the beginning of this journey and will change several players from the Poland game, also to look after the lads.
“We are ready and know it can be a very important match. I won’t say it’s decisive, as there are another two to go, but we are facing the reigning European champions.”
Italy have won six games to four against Portugal in previous meetings, but the Azzurri have not won a game in Lisbon in 31 years.
Mancini took charge of the national team after the four-time World Cup winners’ failure to qualify for Russia.
Balotelli has played in all four games so far under Mancini, scoring in a 2-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia. Mancini’s other two friendlies were a 3-1 defeat to World Cup winners France and 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Balotelli has made the trip to Portugal with the squad as Mancini considers him to be a central figure in the team he is trying to rebuild.
Balotelli’s place could be taken by either Andrea Belotti or Ciro Immobile.
