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Claudio Marchisio off Italy squad as precautionary measure

Italy have announced midfielder Claudio Marchisio has withdrawn from their squad for the matches against Liechtenstein and Germany as a precaution.

Marchisio was back in the squad after missing Euro 2016 having ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments while playing for Juventus in April.

The 30-year-old, who has 54 caps, made his return to action last month in his club's 4-1 Serie A win against Sampdoria and has featured twice more since then.

A statement on the Italian Football Federation's official website on Monday said Marchisio had "a left lower limb joint overload" and that boss Giampiero Ventura "as a precaution decided to give up" the player.

The statement added that Atalanta midfielder Roberto Gagliardini and Genoa defender Armando Izzo have been called up.

Also on Monday, it was announced Fiorentina's Davide Astori had come into the squad as a replacement for fellow defender Andrea Barzagli, who suffered a dislocated shoulder early in Juventus' 2-1 win at Chievo on Sunday.

Italy play Liechtenstein away in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, then host Germany in a friendly three days later.