Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will miss Italy's opening World Cup Group D match against England in Manaus tonight because of injury, officials said.

The 36-year-old - one of Italy's most important players and the team's captain -twisted his ankle in a training session yesterday and although coach Cesare Prandelli was confident he would be fit, he did not recover in time.

Buffon will be replaced by Salvatore Sirigu, 27, who has eight caps.

"Italy goalkeeper and captain Buffon has been officially ruled out of England v Italy due to an ankle injury," the Italian soccer federation said in a tweet.

The federation had earlier denied reports by Italian media that the keeper would miss the match.

Earlier today, Buffon tweeted a link to social network site Whosay.com to say: "Life is beautiful and I am still in debt to it. Missing one game or missing another World Cup isn't going to change that.

"There are a lot of ways to be important even if you aren't on the field. So, come on Salvatore! Come on magic lads."

The injury to Buffon, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, is a further blow to the Azzurri after fullback Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out of the game with a thigh injury.