Barzagli blow hits Italy

Italy defender Andrea Barzagli is certain to miss the group stage of Euro 2012 and is a doubt for the entire tournament.

Defender ruled out of group phase and could miss tournament

Italy defender Andrea Barzagli is certain to miss the group stage of Euro 2012 and is a doubt for the entire tournament. The Juventus centre-back sustained a first degree strain in his left thigh during Friday's 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia. The 31-year-old, a World Cup winner from 2006, will be sidelined for 20 days and will miss the initial stages of the competition. The Azzurri, coached by Cesare Prandelli, take on Spain in their Group C opener on 10th June before further matches against Croatia and Republic of Ireland. Italy will decide on Friday whether they will replace Barzagli in the squad, with team doctor Enrico Castellacci revealing that they are keen to retain the defender's services. Castellacci said: "We could change a player 24 hours before the Euros. But we will try to get him fit. "We are confident he can recover but in any case he would not be available in the first phase."