Sirigu to start in goal for Italy against England

MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — Salvatore Sirigu will start in goal for Italy in the Group D match against England on Saturday after Gianluigi Buffon injured his ankle in training.

The Paris-Saint Germain goalkeeper will be playing in only his ninth match for the national team.

Mario Balotelli was also in Italy's starting 11.

For England, 19-year-old Raheem Sterling was starting in an attack-minded lineup with Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge.

England will be led by captain Steven Gerrard in midfield, with Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka in central defense completing the spine of the team.

Italy's defense will have Giorgio Chiellini at left back and Argentine-born Gabriel Paletta in central defense alongside Andrea Barzagli. Matteo Darmian was at right back.

Italy fullback Mattia De Sciglio has also been ruled out due to a strained leg muscle.

In midfield, Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti were in the center while attacking midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva will support Balotelli in attack.

The match is the first to be staged in the jungle city of Manaus at the Arena da Amazonia.

Costa Rica beat Uruguay 3-1 in the other Group D match.

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England: Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Steven Gerrard, Ross Henderson, Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge.

Italy: Salvatore Sirigu, Giorgio Chiellini, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Candreva, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Balotelli, Andrea Barzagli, Daniele De Rossi, Gabriel Paletta, Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti.

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