Saturday 28 March 2015 11:49, UK
Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage during Friday's training session with Italy.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed that Marchisio underwent tests which have revealed serious damage to his right knee and is expected to be sidelined for six months.
A statement from the FIGC read: "During (Friday's) warm-up, Marchisio sustained trauma in his right knee.
"An MRI scan was immediately carried out in Florence and it has revealed a subtotal lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament.
"After informing the Juventus medical staff, the player will return to his club."
His injury is a big blow for Italy and for the Bianconeri, who are still alive in three competitions this season.
Juve are 14 points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A with 10 games remaining.
Massimiliano Allegri's side are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.
The Turin giants take on Ligue 1 high-flyers Monaco next in Europe's elite club competition.
The 29-year-old has scored two goals and set up five more in 27 league appearances for the Serie A leaders.
Italy take on Bulgaria in Sofia in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier before hosting England in an international friendly in Turin three days later.
Watch Bulgaria v Italy live via the red button on Sky Sports 5 at 7.45pm on Saturday.
