goals and will now be without Andrea Pirlo on
Saturday.
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is unavailable for his side's Euro
2016 qualification clash against Azerbaijan in Baku, head coach
Antonio Conte has revealed.
The 36-year-old New York City player - who has 116 caps for his
country - suffered an adductor injury in training ahead of the
game on Saturday, in which the Azzurri can secure a place in
the tournament with a victory.
Conte is hopeful Pirlo will be fit to play some part in their final
Group H qualifier at home to Norway on Tuesday, by which
point he will hope his players have sealed qualification.
"Andrea will be unavailable for Saturday's match," said the
former Juventus boss.
"He was injured on Friday in training. He made a strange
movement and pulled up with an adductor injury.
"It is a shame, because of what he brings on and off the pitch. I
hope he will be able to recover for Norway."
Conte was forced to defend Pirlo from criticism during the last
international break after he was dropped for their victory over
Bulgaria following a below-par performance in their previous
game against Malta.
Italy have been struggling for goals in their recent outings,
having scored just four times in their last five internationals.
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