Soccer

Claudio Marchisio out of Euro 2016 with knee injury

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland side won’t have to face the Juventus midfielder in June

Juventus’ midfielder Claudio Marchisio leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Palermo. Photo: Marco Bertorello/Getty Images
Juventus’ midfielder Claudio Marchisio leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Palermo. Photo: Marco Bertorello/Getty Images
Sun Apr 17 2016 - 18:35

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss this year's European Championship after tearing knee ligaments during Juventus' 4-0 Serie A victory over Palermo on Sunday.

Marchisio was replaced by Mario Lemina in the 16th minute after falling awkwardly in a challenge and Juventus said on their website that an MRI scan had confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The 30-year-old midfielder will undergo surgery this week.

"Claudio is a great person and a true champ," his Juventus and Italy team mate Leonardo Bonucci said on Twitter. "It's a big loss."

Marchisio’s injury marred a good weekend for Juventus, who moved nine points clear at the top of the table after thrashing Palermo.