Alessandro Del Piero has pulled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Belarus after picking up a thigh strain.

The Juventus striker suffered the injury during training in Glasgow and will return to Italy later on Tuesday.

“I’m injured and I am going home,” Del Piero told the Italian news agency ANSA.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi is unlikely to call up a replacement at this late stage

Against Scotland, Lippi started with Christian Vieri and Vincenzo Iaquinta up front with Francesco Totti operating just behind them.

The Italy coach also has Fiorentina striker Luca Toni and Milan striker Alberto Gilardino to call upon.