Italy's captain Buffon to miss England game

Italy goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon will miss his side's opening World Cup Group D match against England in Manaus tonight.

Buffon twisted his ankle in Friday's training session. Italy had hoped he would be fit to play (kick-off 11pm Irish time), but he has confirmed over Twitter it's not to be.

The Azzurri captain, a key member of the triumphant side of 2006, was absent from his scheduled appearance at the pre-match press conference at the Arena Amazonia.

Antonio Candreva instead sat alongside head coach Cesare Prandelli, who confirmed Buffon had picked up an ankle knock during training on the eve of the Group D clash.

Newspapers Gazzetta dello Sport and Corrierre dello Sport said Paris St Germain stopper Salvatore Sirigu would take Buffon's place in the starting lineup.

Buffon’s absence is a big blow to an Italy side already with full-back Mattia de Sciglio out through injury.