Giorgio Chiellini to miss Italy's friendly with England

Defender Giorgio Chiellini has been forced to withdraw from Italy's squad to face Argentina and England.

Chiellini had been expected to start in each of the Azzurri's friendlies in England, with Italy facing Argentina at the Etihad Stadium before meeting the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium next week.

However, the 33-year-old will now sit out the upcoming international period having suffered a thigh injury in Serie A action at the weekend.

In a statement, Juventus said: "Having undergone medical tests, Giorgio Chiellini has withdrawn from Italy's upcoming international friendlies against Argentina and England after reporting a niggling injury to the flexor muscles in his right thigh during Saturday's match away to SPAL.

"The Bianconeri defender has therefore returned to Turin, where his condition will be monitored between today and tomorrow."

Chiellini had been in line to play at Wembley for the second time in a month, having already helped Juventus defeat Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.