FLORENCE, Italy — Key defender Giorgio Chiellini has been ruled out of Italy’s opening European Championship qualifier at Norway on Tuesday due to a left calf injury.
Chiellini already sat out Italy’s 2-0 win over the Netherlands in a friendly this week for precautionary reasons and further tests Friday revealed the extent of the injury.
The Azzurri were already without centre back Andrea Barzagli, who had surgery on his right heel in July.
Also, striker Mario Balotelli is suspended and was left off the squad and midfielder Claudio Marchisio is also suspended.
A new attack pairing of Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza worked well together against the Dutch in coach Antonio Conte’s debut. Another forward, Stephan El Shaarawy, remains questionable due to a left ankle problem.