Italy's Giorgio Chiellini out of Brazil game with ankle injury

Italy will be without defender Giorgio Chiellini for their friendly international against Brazil in Geneva on Thursday because of an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old centre-back suffered the injury during Juventus's 2-0 away win against Bologna in Serie A on Saturday.

Chiellini was still named in coach Cesara Prandelli's 27-man Azzurri squad for Thursday's match, but having failed to recover in time, has returned to Turin for further medical treatment.

"We conducted new tests on Chiellini's condition this morning and, although recent therapy has improved his condition, I can say with certainty he will not be available for the Brazil game," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci told FIGC.it.

"The player is also borderline for the Malta game."

Italy will take on Malta in World Cup qualifying Group B in Valletta next Tuesday.