Italy's Giorgio Chiellini answers a journalist's question during a press conference at the Coverciano Sports Center near Florence, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Italy is scheduled to play Spain in a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Madrid on Sept. 2. (Maurizio degl'Innocenti/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) - Italy's preparations for a World Cup qualifier against Spain have taken a big hit following an injury to top defender Giorgio Chiellini.
The Italian soccer federation says Chiellini injured his right calf in training Friday morning and left the team, meaning he will miss both the game in Spain and another qualifier against Israel on Tuesday.
Italy plays Spain in Madrid in a match that will likely decide which team qualifies automatically from Group G. Both teams have five wins in addition to the draw between them last year in Turin. The loser could go into a playoff.
Chiellini was expected to start the match against Spain alongside fellow defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. It wasn't immediately clear who will replace him.
Italy's players, from left, Andrea Barzagli, Daniele Rugani and Giorgio Chiellini, jog during a training session at the Coverciano Sports Center near Florence, Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. Italy is scheduled to play Spain in a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Madrid on Sept. 2. (Maurizio degl'Innocenti/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
Italy's Giorgio Chiellini answers a journalist's question during a press conference at the Coverciano Sports Center near Florence, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Italy is scheduled to play Spain in a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Madrid on Sept. 2. (Maurizio degl'Innocenti/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press