After Giorgio Chiellini, Italy's most experienced defender, Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta, who has started all three games, is injured, suffering a hamstring strain that makes him doubtful for Sunday's European Championship quarterfinal against England.

Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci said Motta, who has played as Italy's most advanced midfielder, was able to train but his fitness needs to be assessed.

Chiellini, who has a thigh injury, won't be available for the England match. Mario Balotelli should be ready to face England despite suffering a slight back problem in training.