The Euro 2020 champion captain was one of those who doubted the crucial 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar but the Italian Football Federation said he would leave the national team training camp on Wednesday.
Chiellini’s absence is a big mistake as Friday in Rome against Switzerland, followed by Italy in Group C with two games left for both teams.
They are the only ones in contention for the team that has been confirmed for the World Cup in November and December next year. Italy will face Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in their final match on Monday, while Switzerland will host Bulgaria.
Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini has lost Euro 2020 star Chiellini and midfielder Ciro Immobile in less than 24 hours and is upset over the discovery of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Injured Roma midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini et Nicolo Zaniolo on Monday have been replaced by Immobile teammate Lazio unaccompanied by Danilo Cataldi and Atalanta’s Matteo Pessina, who recently returned more than a month later.
Pessina, 24, was replaced by Atalanta in a 2-1 win over Cagliari on Saturday, his first appearance since injuring a calf during their defeat to AC Milan in early October.
