Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed via Twitter that he will miss the Azzurri's Group D opener against England in Manaus this evening.

The 2006 World Cup winner picked up an ankle knock in training on Friday, leading to reports claiming that he could miss the clash with Roy Hodgson's side today.

Those reports would prove to be true, as the 36-year-old Italian captain tweeted: "Have a nice day everyone. Life is really good and I have dealt with it.

"It won't be a match missed or another World Cup missed...There are ways to be important, even if you aren't a protagonist on the pitch.

"So, forza big Salvatore, forza magic guys. Forza Italia, my big love."

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to take Buffon's place in the side against the Three Lions.