Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was absent from Italy’s match against Switzerland on Friday night because he suffered a muscle injury, according to a report in the Italian broadcast media.

As was reported on television by Rai Sport, via FCInternews, Alessandro Bastoni suffered a muscle contracture in training and that is why he was not even able to be part of the substitutes bench.

It was not expected that he would start the game against the Swiss because it is known that head coach Roberto Mancini favours the experience of Leonardo Bonucci and Francesco Acerbi.

Italy fell behind early in the crucial World Cup qualifier but managed to equalise in the first half through Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who headed in from a clever free kick routine.

Italy were awarded a penalty right at the end of the game but Chelsea midfielder Jorginho blazed his shot well over the bar.