MINSK, Sep 7 (SW) – Italian forward Alessandro Del Piero has been forced to withdraw from the Azzurri squad preparing for the crucial World Cup qualifier away to Belarus.

An injury to his right thigh has forced the Juventus forward to return to Italy, ruling out any chance of playing some part in the fixture in Minsk.

“What can I say? I’m going home, there is nothing else to add,” said the frustrated attacker.

Del Piero was not expected to start the match, but could have played an important role coming off the bench for the Azzurri.