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World Cup: Italy's Gianluigi Buffon ruled out of Group D opener with England in Manaus

Italy's No 1 goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during training earlier this week
Image: Gianluigi Buffon: Ruled out of game against England

Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed via his Twitter account that he will miss Italy’s Group D opener against England in Manaus.

The 2006 World Cup winner picked up an ankle knock in training on Friday, leading to speculation that he could miss the clash with Roy Hodgson’s side on Saturday.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is set to take the 36-year-old Italian captain’s place in the side.

Buffon tweeted: "Have a nice day everyone. Life is really good and I have dealt with it. It won't be a match missed or another World Cup missed...There are ways to be important, even if you aren't a protagonist on the pitch. So, forza big Salvatore, forza magic guys. Forza Italia, my big love.”

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The extent of the Juventus goalkeeper’s injury was initially played down Prandelli, who is already without injured full-back Mattia de Sciglio.

“He twisted his ankle very lightly,” Prandelli said on Friday. “It was a very, very light ankle twist. He is receiving therapy at the moment, but it is nothing serious.”

Sirigu will earn his ninth cap for Italy if he starts the match against England in Manaus after making his senior debut for Italy in 2010.

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