Italy midfielder Marchisio out of Euro 2016 with injury

TURIN, Italy (AP) - Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss the European Championship after injuring his knee while playing for Juventus on Sunday.

Marchisio was stretchered off in the 15th minute in visible pain after making a tackle and tests revealed he has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Juventus said Marchisio will be operated on "in the next few days." It is not clear how long he will be out for, but it normally takes around four to six months to recover from such an injury.

Italy kicks off its Euro 2016 campaign against Belgium on June 13. It also faces Sweden and Ireland in Group E.

Marchisio is a fundamental part of the Italy team. The 30-year-old midfielder has made 54 appearances for the Azzurri, since his debut in 2009, scoring five goals.

"It will be a huge loss," Juventus and Italy teammate Leonardo Bonucci said. "Claudio is a leader in this dressing room and that of the national team, apart from being a really great footballer."

Bonucci also wrote on his Instagram account: "An important victory ... But there is nothing to celebrate, today we lost for several months an important player for Juve and the national team. Stay strong Marchisio, we will win for you and we're expecting you (back) stronger than ever."

Juventus beat Palermo 4-0 to move nine points clear in Serie A, with five rounds remaining.