Soccer

Injury rules Gianluigi Buffon out of England game

PSG’s Salvatore Sirigu set to start World Cup clash in Manaus

Gianluigi Buffon claims the ball during an Italian training session with fellow goalkeepers Salvatore Sirigu (centre) and Mattia Perin. Sirigu will start instead of the injured Buffon for the game against England. Photograph: Ettore Ferrari/EPA

Sat Jun 14 2014 - 17:16

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will miss their opening World Cup Group D match against England in Manaus on Saturday with Paris St Germain stopper Salvatore Sirigu set to start.

Buffon twisted his ankle in Friday's training session, with coach Cesare Prandelli saying he was confident Buffon would fit for the clash.

The Juventus goalkeeper tweeted a link to a social network site Whosay.com, saying: "life is beautiful and I am still in debt to it. Missing one game or missing another World Cup isn't going to change that.

“There are a lot of ways to be important even if you aren’t on the field. So, come on Salvatore! Come on magic lads.”

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The Italian federation (FIGC) issued a statement on its website confirming that Buffon had suffered an injury.

“Gianluigi Buffon suffered a slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment,” said the FIGC on its website.

The injury to 36-year-old Buffon, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, is a further blow to the Azzurri after full back Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out of the game with a thigh injury.

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