The Juventus duo on Tuesday underwent further tests in Florence, where they are on duty with the national team, to confirm the extent of their respective injuries.

Buffon is suffering from an abductor strain in his right thigh and will be out of action for a month while Camoranesi will be sidelined for at least 15 days in order to recover from a muscle problem in his right leg.

The news will not be welcomed by Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who already has a long injury list to contend with ahead of the qualifying double-header.

The Azzurri are without Marco Materazzi, Nicola Legrottaglie, Marco Cassetti, Fabio Grosso, Andrea Pirlo, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Marco Borriello for the matches.

"Buffon and Camoranesi have preferred to remain with their team-mates until we travel to Sofia on Friday," said Lippi.

"It's an unfortunate time for us with many players out injured but this happens.

"I will call (Siena goalkeeper) Gianluca Curci and nobody else."

Italy top qualifying Group Eight with six points - two more than the Republic of Ireland - following victories over Cyprus and Georgia last month.

The Azzurri take on Bulgaria in Sofia on October 11 before playing host to Montenegro in Lecce four days later.