De Sciglio ruled out of England clash

Italy will be without Mattia De Sciglio for their FIFA World Cup opener against England after the left-back suffered a spasm in his hamstring.

The AC Milan defender pulled up during training in Mangaratiba on Thursday after feeling a ‘sting’ in his left hamstring and his absence will force Cesare Prandelli into a backline reshuffle for Saturday’s Group D clash.

The Italy coach could opt to move the experienced Giorgio Chiellini to full-back and pair Andrea Barzagli with either Leonardo Bonucci or Gabriel Paletta in the heart of defence.

Italy’s chief doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed De Sciglio will miss the game against England at a press conference.

“De Sciglio presented a left hamstring injury. Magnetic resonance imaging performed at Angra dos Reis showed swelling…De Sciglio will not be available for the opening match against England,” Castellacci said.

But De Sciglio will remain in Italy’s 23-man squad with Castellacci explaining the Milan full-back will be fit for his country’s second group-stage match against Costa Rica on June 20.

“De Sciglio will stay with us. There are also no concerns for the second game against Costa Rica,” the professor said.

Such late upheaval in Italy’s back four could provide a cause for concern, with Barzagli having highlighted his unease over signs of Italian defensive frailties.

“In recent times, we have given away more goals than we wanted,” the Juventus defender said.

“But the important thing is to give solidity to our defence.

“Against England, we will have to be very careful on dead-ball situations. They are very dangerous in the area and these are important details where we must not make mistakes.”