AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is set to miss Italy's first two games of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury.

Gattuso is now expected to sit on the sidelines for the Azzurri's Group E games against Ghana and the USA after tests on Wednesday revealed a strain in his left thigh, and will put him out for 15 days.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has said he would not be calling up a replacement for the hardworking AC star, and confirmed Gattuso would travel with the rest of the squad to the tournament base in Germany.

"I will only replace him on the field, not in the squad," said Lippi.

"Gattuso will come with us, and I hope to have him back as soon as possible."

Italy face the Czech Republic in their last group match on June 22 in Hamburg.

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