Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is out of their World Cup opener against Paraguay and he could miss the whole tournament after the AC Milan star suffered a calf injury.

Medical staff has targeted the World Cup holders’ second match against New Zealand on June 20 as a possible return for Pirlo, who was instrumental in his country’s success four years ago.

 

But the 31-year-old faces a battle to play any part in the group stages of the competition.

Marcelo Lippi’s squad has already had a few injury setbacks, with Mauro Camoranesi a doubt to face the Paraguayans on Sunday with a knee injury.