Soccer: Italy's Chiellini to miss Brazil match
Juventus defender doubtful for WC qualifier in Malta
20 March, 15:38
(ANSA) - Florence, March 20 - Italy defender Giorgio
Chiellini will miss Thursday's friendly against Brazil in Geneva
and is doubtful for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Malta
because of an ankle problem, the national soccer federation said
Wednesday.In the final training session before the Azzurri left their base near Florence for Geneva on Wednesday, coach Cesare Prandelli tested a strike pairing made up of AS Roma's Pablo Osvaldo and Mario Balotelli, who has scored seven goals in six appearances since joining AC Milan in January.
In the practice match he fielded Roma's Daniele De Rossi with Juve trio Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Emanuele Giaccherini in midfield.
The back four was made up of Napoli's Christian Maggio, Juve duo Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci, and AC Milan full back Mattia De Sciglio. De Sciglio's Milan teammate and fellow full back Ignazio Abate was rested as a precaution because of a muscle strain.
Italy lead European World Cup qualifying group B with 10 points from four games, four points more than second-placed Bulgaria.
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