Chiellini suffers knee injury blow

Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini looks set for a long spell on the sidelines after the 24-year-old suffered what appeared to be a serious injury to his left knee during the Trofeo Berlusconi against AC Milan.

'Very painful'
Chiellini collided with Milan striker Alberto Paloschi 35 minutes into Juve's 4-1 defeat and was carried off on a stretcher. "It's very painful right now but we will see the results of tomorrow's tests," he said. "I hope the ligaments are not damaged." The defender is likely to be unavailable for the return leg of the Bianconeri's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against FC Artmedia Petržalka in which they hold a 4-0 lead. He is certain to miss Italy's friendly against Austria on Wednesday and national team coach Marcello Lippi has already called up his club-mate Nicola Legrottaglie in his stead.