Barzagli leaves Italy training with thigh injury; Rugani called up

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has left Italy's camp in Coverciano after suffering a thigh injury in Monday's training session.

Azzurri coach Antonio Conte called upon fellow Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani to replace the 34-year-old World Cup winner in the 28-man squad for the friendlies against Spain and Germany on March 24 and 29, respectively.

Barzagli will now return to Turin for further tests.

It is yet another blow to the Juventus backline. Starting defender Giorgio Chiellini has already missed several weeks of action with a calf injury, while regular substitute Martin Caceres is out for the remainder of the season with an Achilles' tear.

Leonardo Bonucci and Rugani could shoulder the brunt of the defensive duties if Barzagli's injury is anything serious.

Despite receiving the nod from Conte for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia and a friendly against Albania in November 2014, Rugani, 21, hasn't yet made an appearance for the senior Italy team. He has represented the Azzurri at various youth levels since 2010.