Former Italy defender Balzaretti retires

(ANSA) - Rome, August 12 - Former Italy defender Federico Balzaretti announced Wednesday that his playing career is over because of a hip injury, adding that he will take up a management role at AS Rome.
    "I'm retiring from soccer," the former Torino, Juventus, Fiorentina, Palermo and Roma left back told a news conference.
    "Unfortunately the injury I've had is forcing me to hang up my boots. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I can't keep playing at 100%". The 33-year-old made 16 appearances for Italy between 2010 and 2013.