Italians suffer blow in preparation for England clash.
Italy have been dealt a blow ahead of their opening World Cup clash against England on Saturday after it emerged that young full-back Mattia De Sciglio would be ruled out through injury, according to the Daily Mail.
The AC Milan defender, 21, pulled up in training on Thursday with a calf strain and was taken to hospital for an MRI which revealed the extent of the damage.
“Defender Mattia De Sciglio, after today’s (Thursday) training session in Portobello (Mangaritiba), has sustained a muscle strain in his left thigh,” Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said.
“The player underwent this afternoon an MRI at Angra dos Reis and the test has revealed an oedema in his left femoral biceps.
“De Sciglio will not be available for the first game against England.”
Head coach Cesare Prandelli will most likely not move to replace the youngster despite bringing Inter Milan’s Andrea Rannochia as a reserve.
Italy will be allowed to make a replacement up to 24 hours before their first game kicks off.
But De Sciglio as been expected to be fit for Italy’s second group game against Costa Rica next week.
The injury could force Italy to move Giorgio Chiellini to left-back with Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonnuci covering in the middle.