Injured Chiellini to miss Spain game

madrid — Italy’s plans for a vital World Cup qualifier away to Spain on Saturday were dealt a huge blow when veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini injured a calf muscle in training on Friday.

The Juventus centre-back has been ruled out for both the trip to Madrid and Tuesday’s qualifier at home to Israel.

“Giorgio Chiellini will not be available to (Giampero) Ventura for the Azzurri’s next two encounters with Spain and Israel,” the Italian Football Federation said in a statement.

Victory for either side at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu is likely to be decisive in deciding which side qualifies directly for the World Cup in Russia next year. Both countries are tied on 16 points atop Group G of European qualifying with second place only good enough for a perilous two-legged playoff in November.

However, a 1-1 draw when the sides met in Turin last October and a better goal difference means Spain hold the upper hand. “We can’t predict the future, but we recognise the importance of the game. For sure, that has not escaped us,” said Spain boss Julen Lopetegui on Friday. “After this game we have three more that we have to play and win, but the objective is to beat a great Italian team.”

Lopetegui is unbeaten in 10 games as national team boss since Vicente del Bosque’s successful reign was brought to an end by a 2-0 defeat to Italy at Euro 2016. However, Spain have only beaten Italy once from open play in 11 competitive meetings.

A big turnout at the Bernabeu may not be such a big advantage for the hosts if Barcelona defender Gerard Pique continues to be jeered by the home fans while playing for Spain.

Barca and Real Madrid’s rivalry means Pique and Real and Spain captain Sergio Ramos have frequently clashed on and off the field. But the two have formed a formidable partnership in central defence for the past five years at international level and Ramos has repeatedly pleaded for the treatment dished out to Pique to stop.