Italy Goalkeeper Guanluigi Buffon Has `Serious' Back Problem, AP Reports

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has a “serious” back problem and it’s not clear when he’ll be able to play again in the World Cup, the Associated Press reported, citing team physician Enrico Castellacci.

Federico Marchetti came on in place of Buffon at halftime in the 1-1 draw with Paraguay yesterday.

Castellacci said today that there’s a problem with the left side of Buffon’s sciatic nerve, and that “at the moment, no date can be set for his return,” the AP added.