Balotelli left out of Italy squad for Portugal and US games

ROME (AP) — Mario Balotelli has again been left out of the Italy squad, this time for matches against Portugal and the United States.

Balotelli was included in Roberto Mancini's first two squads as coach and played his first matches for Italy since the 2014 World Cup, but the Nice forward was left out last month and was again excluded on Friday.

Mancini called up three new players. Eighteen-year-old Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali — who is often likened to Andrea Pirlo — was named along with Sassuolo midfielder Stefano Sensi and Hoffenheim forward Vincenzo Grifo.

Italy hosts Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Nov. 17 in Milan. The team will play the United States in a friendly in Genk three days later.

The Azzurri lost to Portugal in September. They beat Poland in their last Nations League match after drawing with the same side in their opener.