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Balotelli back to start for Italy against England

The Columbian
Published: June 23, 2012, 5:00pm

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Italy forward Mario Balotelli will return to the starting lineup to face an unchanged England team in the European Championship quarterfinals on Sunday.

The Manchester City striker is selected ahead of Antonio Di Natale, whom he replaced as a substitute against Ireland before scoring in the Azzurri’s 2-0 win last Monday.

Defender Giorgio Chiellini injured his left hamstring against the Irish and his Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci continues to replace him.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has opted for Riccardo Montolivo in midfield over Thiago Motta.

England coach Roy Hodgson has selected the same side that started a 1-0 win against Ukraine on Tuesday.

The winner plays Germany in the Euro 2012 semifinals in Warsaw on Thursday.

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