Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are both set to miss out on Italy’s Confederations Cup clash with Brazil.
Pirlo has been diagnosed with a muscular problem after the 4-3 victory over Japan last night.
Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are both set to miss out on Italy’s Confederations Cup clash with Brazil.
Pirlo has been diagnosed with a muscular problem after the 4-3 victory over Japan last night.
“During the Japan match Pirlo felt his right calf muscle contract,” explained chief medic Professor Enrico Castellacci.
“He had tests that showed a slight muscular strain with no lesions. His recovery is aimed at the semi-final, not at the game with Brazil.”
De Rossi is certain to miss out, as he picked up two yellow cards in two games and is therefore suspended.
Brazil and Italy have both already qualified for the semi-finals, but go head-to-head on Saturday to decide who goes through top of Group A.
That game kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
The Seleçao beat Japan 3-0 and Mexico 2-0, while Italy saw off Mexico 2-1 and Japan 4-3.