Italy suffered the latest in a
series of setbacks ahead of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against
Group H leaders Croatia in Split when midfielder Marco Verratti
was ruled out of the clash with a calf injury.
There was concern earlier this week after the Paris
Saint-Germain midfielder reported discomfort, and it was
announced Thursday that he has withdrawn from the squad.
"Marco Verratti left the training camp at Coverciano this
morning," the FIGC confirmed in a statement.
"After being monitored by the Azzurri medical staff over
the past few days, the Paris Saint-Germain player has returned
to his club".
Verratti is only the latest player coach Antonio Conte has
lost due to fitness problems.
Juventus centre backs Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio
Chiellini are missing too, along with striker Simone Zaza.
AS Roma's Daniele De Rossi also took a knock in training
and is not in Conte's 23-man squad for the Split game, but he
has remained with his teammates in view of Tuesday's friendly
against Portugal in Geneva.
Conte's side travel to Split later Thursday.
The Azzurri are second in Group H with 11 points from five
games, two behind Croatia, and could slip to third in the group
if they lose and other results go against them.
The winners and runners-up of the nine qualifying groups
qualify directly for Euro 2016 in France, along with the best
third-placed team.
The eight remaining third-placed nations win a place in
the qualifying playoffs.
Croatia will host the game behind closed doors in
punishment for trouble in a previous match against Serbia and
they will be without injured Real Madrid star Luka Modric.
But the side still have plenty of class acts, including
Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic and Wolfsburg midfielder
Ivan Perisic.
They held the Azzurri to a 1-1 draw in Milan in November.
"A lot is at stake on Friday," said Italy's Juventus
midfielder Claudio Marchisio.
"Croatia are in front of us in the table, they have power
and quality and the group's top-scorer (in Perisic with four
goals).
"They are complete side even without Modric. So it will be
a very difficult match.
"Playing behind closed doors may be an advantage for us as
they have very passionate supporters. But we'll have to double
our concentration".
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