Mario Balotelli out of Italy squad through injury

Mario Balotelli has been forced to pull out of the Italy squad for their upcoming matches against Croatia and Albania through injury.

The Liverpool striker, who was recently recalled by manager Antonio Conte, is currently struggling with hamstring and groin problems.

The Azzurri will also be without Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna, who is suffering with a thigh strain.

"Mario Balotelli and Angelo Ogbonna will leave the team training camp. Although Ogbonna's left thigh injury is improving, he has been advised to avoid stressing the injury as a precaution," read an official statement from the Italian Football Association. "It is the same scenario for Balotelli, who since Friday has felt a hamstring strain and a sore groin."

Italy host Croatia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday before entertaining Albania in a friendly on Tuesday.