Italy's Riccardo Montolivo out of World Cup with broken leg

Italy's Riccardo Montolivo will miss the 2014 World Cup after breaking his leg during the 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland.

The 29-year-old was stretchered off following a challenge from Reading defender Alex Pearce.

Montolivo was injured just eight minutes into the World Cup warm-up match, which saw the midfielder taken straight to hospital for X-rays that confirmed the extent of the problem.

The AC Milan player was replaced by former Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who was also brought off during the match due to illness.

Italy face England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in World Cup Group D.