Italy's Chiellini ruled out of crucial Spain clash
Azzurri will have to face La Furia Roja without their talismanic defender
PHOTO: AFP
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.
Victory for either side at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu is likely to be decisive in deciding which side qualifies directly for the World Cup in Russia next year.
However, Italy boss Giampiero Ventura insisted his side won't be cowed by the atmosphere despite losing one of their most experienced players.
"Those that do this job know what they can expect in big games against great players in important stadiums like this," Ventura told reporters on Friday. "There are no crocodiles or snakes on the field. The problem is the opponent who have a lot of quality."
Both countries are tied on 16 points atop Group G of European qualifying with second place only good enough for a perilous two-legged play-off 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. "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.
"Although on paper we sometimes seem inferior, we have always managed to find the right ingredients to obtain good performances and results against Spain," said Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon.
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.
Victory for either side at a sold-out Santiago Bernabeu is likely to be decisive in deciding which side qualifies directly for the World Cup in Russia next year.
However, Italy boss Giampiero Ventura insisted his side won't be cowed by the atmosphere despite losing one of their most experienced players.
"Those that do this job know what they can expect in big games against great players in important stadiums like this," Ventura told reporters on Friday. "There are no crocodiles or snakes on the field. The problem is the opponent who have a lot of quality."
Both countries are tied on 16 points atop Group G of European qualifying with second place only good enough for a perilous two-legged play-off 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. "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.
"Although on paper we sometimes seem inferior, we have always managed to find the right ingredients to obtain good performances and results against Spain," said Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon.