The versatile Juventus defender limped off in the  2-0 victory over Ireland in Poznan on Monday evening and subsequent scans have now revealed the full extent of the damage.

"Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a strained left hamstring," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Tuesday.

It is not yet known exactly how long the centre-half will be out of action for and he is set to remain with the squad in Poland. However, it is believed that his tournament is over.

Chiellini's injury is a massive blow for Italy as not only is he one of their most reliable performers, his versatility means that he is capable of playing at left-back as well as centre-half.

It will also come as a huge disappointment to the player, who had worked incredibly hard to make himself available for his country's Euro 2012 campaign after suffering a thigh injury at the tail end of the Serie A season.

Italy, having progressed to the knockout stages as Group C's runners-up, are scheduled to face the winners of Group D on Sunday in Kiev.