FORTALEZA, Brazil -- Forward Mario Balotelli will miss Italys semifinal vs. Spain in the Confederations Cup due to a strained thigh, handing the team another major injury complication before facing the World Cup holder. The Italian Football Federation made the announcement Sunday following medical tests on Balotellis left quadriceps. The injury occurred during Italys 4-2 loss to Brazil on Saturday. The federation said that Balotelli would continue to be monitored in the hope that he can return for Italys next match -- either the final or the third-place game. Italy faces Spain on Thursday then the final and third-place games are scheduled for June 30. Balotelli has been the Azzurris most explosive player in the tournament so far. He scored the winner in Italys 2-1 victory over Mexico, converted a penalty in the 4-3 win over Japan and set up a goal for Emanuele Giaccherini in the loss to Brazil. Also, Balotelli has started as Italys lone true forward in each match thus far. Alberto Gilardino would seem to be the logical replacement if Italy coach Cesare Prandelli sticks with the single-striker lineup. Or he could use several forwards such as Stephan El Shaarawy, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessio Cerci or Alessandro Diamanti. A few other Italy players are also injured. Key playmaker Andrea Pirlo was expected back for the semifinals after missing the Brazil game with a muscle problem although he only performed a brief, light running session Sunday before being accompanied off the practice pitch by team trainers. Also, midfielder Riccardo Montolivo underwent a cerebral scan after a knock to the head against Brazil although the tests were negative. Still, he will be evaluated over the next few days. Meanwhile, fullback Ignazio Abate was sent home after dislocating his right shoulder. Spain routed Italy 4-0 in their last meeting, last years European Championship final. Oscar McBride . -- Charline Labonte couldnt have asked for a better homecoming. Darryl Tapp . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. https://www.cheapnfljerseyschina.co/colton-schmidt-jersey-for-sale/ . Pierce was ejected in the third quarter of Indianas 103-86 win Monday. George Hill stole a bad pass and was going in for a layup, and Pierce hustled back and appeared to be trying to wrap him up. Al Burton . According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. Pervis Atkins . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles.MANCHESTER, England -- In front of tens of thousands of flag-waving and chanting fans, Manchester United players and retiring manager Alex Ferguson paraded the Premier League trophy on an open-top bus through packed city streets on a second day of jubilant celebrations for the English champions. Supporters clambered dangerously up shop fronts, scaffolding, statues, bus stands and road signs to catch glimpses of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and, of course, Ferguson as the double decker bus -- bearing a "Champions 2013" logo -- wound its way from Old Trafford to the city centre. Some lines were 30-people deep and many buildings had roof tops crammed with fans, some of them shirtless. United players were spending a second day with the trophy after lifting it Sunday following the 2-1 win over Swansea -- Fergusons final game at Old Trafford after nearly 27 years in charge. "Yesterday was a day Ill never forget," said Ferguson, who waved a United flag in front of supporters before the bus departed. "All my family will never forget. "On behalf of all my players, thanks for all your support." Rio Ferdinand conducted the chants among the players, who jumped up and down on the top deck under overcast skies. A vast police escort led the bus along the streets, with a helicopter above. "It feels absolutely amazing ... its been worth the wait," said Van Persie, the striker and top scorer who won the title in his first season with United and was serenaded by teammates.dddddddddddd. "Ive had to wait quite a long time." Despite recently having a transfer request rejected by United, Rooney was present, although he received a mixed reception from fans outside Old Trafford. Fergusons last game in charge is on Sunday against West Bromwich Albion and it promises to be a week-long celebration in honour of Britains most successful manager, who has won 38 trophies for United since joining the club in 1986. The Scot issued a challenge to his replacement, David Moyes, saying: "The big test is to win it three times in a row as theyve done before, so I hope they can do that." And perhaps in one last dig at old rival Liverpool, he added: "Tomorrow night our under-21s play Liverpool -- that mob across the road." The city centre had been awash in red for hours, with fans draped in United flags blaring hooters and car drivers honking their horns. Scarf- and flag-sellers did a roaring trade on the Deansgate thoroughfare where the bus made its way down. The celebrations started early for Ferdinand, who posted a picture on Twitter of him and some teammates sitting in the corner of a local pub. Ferdinand had also been partying on Sunday night, tweeting at 3am on Monday: "Just rolling in the front door! Decent night out celebrating that was!" ' ' '