Pirlo out of Uruguay clash

Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo will miss Sunday’s FIFA Confederations Cup third-place play-off with Uruguay due to a hamstring injury.

The Juventus midfielder also missed Italy’s final group game against Brazil due to the issue, but returned to play 120 minutes of Thursday’s semi-final against Spain, that saw the World Cup holders advance to the final against host nation Brazil on penalties.

Pirlo will now not be risked against Uruguay, with his club-mate Andrea Barzagli also set to sit the encounter out due to a long-standing tendon ailment.

“Pirlo was coming off a muscular problem and did brilliantly to resist throughout the entire match with Spain,” Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said.

“However, as a precautionary measure and in agreement with the coach, we have decided not to risk him for the next game.

“Barzagli is suffering from a recurring tendon problem that had already affected him recently.”

Castellaci also revealed that Daniele De Rossi, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio will be assessed ahead of the Uruguay clash with the trio all suffering from muscle fatigue.