Barzagli and Zaza out of Italy squad

Florence - Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi has been called up to the Italy squad after Andrea Barzagli was ruled out of upcoming matches against Croatia and Portugal.

Barzagli left the Italy training camp along with Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza after medical tests on Monday.

Barzagli has struggled with injuries all season but started for Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final. Zaza had already complained of muscular problems last week.

Italy faces Group H leader Croatia in Split on Friday in a European Championship qualifier, then meets Portugal in Geneva four days later in a friendly.

The Azzurri are second in the group, two points behind Croatia.

Italy is unbeaten with five wins and three draws since Antonio Conte replaced Cesare Prandelli as coach after last year's World Cup.