Chiellini out of England game

Defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss Italy's European Championship quarter-final against England on Sunday, their team doctor has confirmed.But Enrico Castellacci refused to rule out the Juventus centre-back recovering from a left-thigh injury if the Azzurri progress further.Chiellini, the most experienced defender in Italy's squad with 53 caps, was forced off during the second half of Monday's 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland, which secured a last-eight place."The scan he underwent confirmed it's a strain," Castellacci said."He will certainly miss the game on Sunday."Obviously, in a competition like this you have to try everything to have him back as quickly as possible but we will not take any unnecessary risks with his muscles."Chiellinin, 27, had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a similar injury in Juve's Serie A win against Atalanta last month.Castellacci said: "It's nothing related to the injury he suffered just ahead of the finals."It's a pity because he had recovered so well from that one but he is very motivated and has already started rehab. Let's see what happens."Chiellini was replaced by Juve team-mate Leonardo Bonucci against Ireland.

Source: PA