Italy's Grosso pulls out with thigh strain

MILAN, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Italy defender Fabio Grosso has been ruled out today's European Championship qualifier against Ukraine due to a thigh strain.

Grosso underwent medical tests near the team's base in Florence today and his club Inter Milan said he would be returning to them for treatment.

Attacking left-back Grosso, a member of Italy's World Cup-winning squad, will also miss the Group B game in Georgia tomorrow.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni did not immediately call up a replacement for Grosso.

The world champions have made a poor start to Euro 2008 qualifying with a 1-1 draw at home to Lithuania and a 3-1 defeat in France.

Reuters AB RN1824