Italy`s De Sciglio ruled out for England game

Rio de Janeiro: Italy left-back Mattia De Sciglio will miss Saturday`s Group D opener against England in Manaus after picking up a thigh muscle strain in training.

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci told reporters that the tests had found a strain rather than a torn muscle and that De Sciglio would stay with the team as he looks to regain fitness. De Sciglio was expected to start for the Azzurri against Roy Hodgson`s side. The defender could yet be fit for Italy`s second game against Costa Rica on June 20 but in the meantime coach Cesare Prandelli will have to rejig his defence. Ignazio Abate and Giorgio Chiellini could both fill-in at left-back in an orthodox back four or Prandelli could be tempted to go with a three man back line.