Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli will be sidelined for three months after undergoing a heel operation on his right foot on Tuesday.
- Juventus sign Stefano Sturaro
The Italy international, who played for his country at the World Cup in Brazil, struggled with a recurring heel problem throughout last season.
An official statement from Juventus read: "Andrea Barzagli has this afternoon undergone surgery on the heel bone of his right foot.
"Under the supervision of Juventus doctor Fabrizio Tencone, the defender was operated on by professor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland.
"Barzagli, who did not require surgical treatment on his Achilles tendon, is due to return to Italy tomorrow [Wednesday] and will proceed with his rehabilitation programme after a period of complete rest.
"He is estimated to be out of action for approximately three months."
The 33-year-old made 26 league appearances to help Juve clinch their third straight scudetto last season.