El Shaarawy, Piccini join Italy’s injury list

Milan, Italy: Stephan El Shaarawy and Cristiano Piccini have been ruled out of Italy's second Euro 2020 qualifier against Liechtenstein next week, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Sunday.

Valencia defender Piccini, 26, got his first start for the Azzurri in Saturday's 2-0 European qualifying win over Finland in Udine, but has returned to the Spanish club for tests on a muscular problem.

Roma forward El Shaarawy, 26, did not play against Finland because of a calf problem, but had been expected to play the second qualifier against Liechtenstein in Parma on Tuesday.

Roberto Mancini's side are already without forwards Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne and defender Alessandro Florenzi.

Italy are top of their six-team Group J after their opening win over Finland, with Liechtenstein bottom after losing 2-0 to Greece.

The group also includes Bosnia and Armenia.