Barzagli could miss Euro 2012

By Football Italia staff

Andrea Barzagli could potentially be ruled out of the 2012 European Championship after the Italian picked up an injury.

The Juventus stopper has suffered a calf strain that Azzurri medics fear could see him sidelined for the next 20 days.

Italy are set to assess his condition before making a decision on whether to replace him in the squad with another stopper. They will have until 24 hours before their Spanish tie on Sunday to request a squad change.

Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia would be in pole position to be called up as he was in the 25-man squad before Cesare Prandelli reduced it to 23.

Reports today suggested that Italy could try out a Juventus three-man defence consisting of Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at Euro 2012. A 3-5-2 now seems unlikely.

Italy lost 3-0 to Russia on Friday. Their preparations for the tournament have already been hampered by the match fixing investigation and an earthquake which saw their Luxembourg friendly cancelled.

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