Barzagli to miss Italy-Argentina

Juventus and Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has been ruled out of Wednesday’s friendly against Argentina.

The centre-back is struggling with an Achilles tendon issue which will not clear up in time for the Stadio Olimpico clash.

Although the decision to send him home was taken on Monday evening, the 2006 World Cup winner will still be part of the Azzurri group which will meet the Pope later today.

Once their visit to the Vatican is over, he will return to Turin and placed into the care of Juventus medics.

Juventus play Lazio on Sunday in the Italian Super Cup Final.