Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed that he will miss tonight's World Cup Group D game between Italy and England.

The Azzurri skipper is believed to have picked up an ankle injury in training and will now be replaced in goal by Paris Saint-Germain's Salvatore Sirigu.

Buffon posted a message via his Twitter account that wished Sirigu luck in his place and finished "FORZA ITALY, MY LOVE!"

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli confirmed yesterday that Buffon had limped out of training, but was hopeful that he would be fit enough to start in Manaus tonight.

However, Buffon will sit out tonight and hope that he recovers in time for Italy's next game against Costa Rica on Friday.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre