Injured Chiellini out of Italy squad for Brazil

MILAN (AFP) –

Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini is held by Catania defender Nicolas Spolli during the sides' Serie A match on March 10, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini (R) is held by Catania‘s Argentinian defender Nicolas Spolli during the sides’ Serie A match at the “Juventus Stadium” in Turin on March 10, 2013. Chiellini has been forced out of the Italy squad ahead of a friendly against Brazil and could miss a World Cup qualifier against Malta next week, according to the Italian football federation.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been forced out of the Italy squad ahead of a friendly against Brazil and could miss a World Cup qualifier against Malta next week, according to the Italian football federation.

Chiellini was included in Cesare Prandelli’s 27-man squad for Thursday’s friendly in Geneva but will now return to Turin after failing to pass a fitness test having picked up a knock to his ankle in Saturday’s 2-0 Serie A win over Bologna.

Italy football team doctor Enrico Castellacci said he is also “borderline” for Tuesday when the Azzurri travel to Malta for the resumption of World Cup qualifying.

“This morning we re-evaluated Chiellini’s condition. He has improved thanks to some physiotherapy but not enough to pass him fit for Brazil on Thursday, and he’s borderline for Malta,” said Castellacci.