Chiellini out of England quarter-final

KRAKOW, Poland (AFP) –

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini (R) is injured as Italian defender Federico Balzaretti looks on during the Euro 2012 football championships match Italy vs Republic of Ireland on June 18, at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan. Chiellini was on Wednesday ruled out of Italy’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against England in Kiev.

Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini was on Wednesday ruled out of Italy’s Euro 2012 quarter-final against England in Kiev.

The 27-year-old Juventus defender had limped out of Monday’s final Group C game, a 2-0 win over Ireland, with a hamstring problem.

Chiellini underwent tests on Wednesday morning but Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci then said he wouldn’t be available for Sunday’s last eight clash.

“We’ll do everything to get him back as soon as possible, we’re not setting limits. If we make progress we’ll try to get him back for the first meaningful match,” said Castellacci.

“Chiellini is very determined to recover, we have to try, we’ve no other options.”

The rugged centre-half will likely be replaced by club-mate Leonardo Bonucci against Roy Hodgson’s team.