Durban - Italy has suffered a setback after discovering that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will be out of action for an indefinite period.
The World Champions replaced the highly rated goalkeeper, who suffered a back injury, with Federico Marchetti on Monday when they drew 1-1 with Paraguay in Cape Town.
The Italian Football Federation said in a statement: "He has a bad sciatic problem. We cannot say when he will be able to play again".
Buffon had to endure a tough season at Juventus, where he plays his club football.
Italy's next match is against New Zealand on Sunday and the Azzurri will have to wait on their team doctor's reports on Buffon's condition.
Italy is also missing one of their midfielders Andrea Pirlo through injury but the AC Milan midfielder is expected to return for the side's third group game.
