Antonio Conte has confirmed Andrea Pirlo will miss Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan due to injury.
Italy can qualify for Euro 2016 by recording a victory in Baku, having taken 18 points from their eight games.
However, the Azzurri will have to cope without the New York City midfielder, who has sustained an adductor injury.
“Andrea will be unavailable for tomorrow’s match,” Conte told reporters.
“He was injured today in training, he made a strange movement and pulled up with an adductor injury. It’s a shame, because of what he brings on and off the pitch.
“I hope he’ll be able to recover for Norway.”
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Conte’s current deal expires after the European Championships but he insists that he is not concerned about extending his contract.
I’m not thinking about the contract,” he added.
“It’s not a priority at the moment, I’m thinking about qualifying and playing a great European Championships. I thank the President, because these are expressions of esteem, and they’re pleasing.
“We’ll put in the passion and the work, when the time is right we’ll talk about everything.”
