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Buffon to miss out as Conte voices concerns over Lille pitch

The Italy coach bemoaned the playing surface at Stade Pierre-Mauroy and confirmed his goalkeeper would be rested as a precaution

Italy will be without goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon for Wednesday's meeting with Republic of Ireland, as Antonio Conte sweats over the state of the Lille pitch.

Wins over Belgium and Sweden have already assured Italy of qualification to the last 16 as Group E winners regardless of the result against Martin O'Neill's men, who need a win to have any hope of advancing.

With top spot secure, Conte is expected to make several changes to his starting XI, with one of those certain to be Buffon, who has been struggling with flu.