Claudio Marchisio out of Euro 2016 with knee injury

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland side won’t have to face the Juventus midfielder in June

Juventus’ midfielder Claudio Marchisio leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Palermo. Photo: Marco Bertorello/Getty Images

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss this year's European Championship after tearing knee ligaments during Juventus' 4-0 Serie A victory over Palermo on Sunday.

Marchisio was replaced by Mario Lemina in the 16th minute after falling awkwardly in a challenge and Juventus said on their website that an MRI scan had confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The 30-year-old midfielder will undergo surgery this week.

"Claudio is a great person and a true champ," his Juventus and Italy team mate Leonardo Bonucci said on Twitter. "It's a big loss."

Marchisio’s injury marred a good weekend for Juventus, who moved nine points clear at the top of the table after thrashing Palermo.