Pirlo to miss Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier vs. Azerbaijan with hamstring injury

Andrea Pirlo will not feature for Italy in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan after tweaking his hamstring in training.

Coach Antonio Conte confirmed that he will not have the 36-year-old at his disposal for the penultimate match of qualifying. There is hope, however, that Pirlo will return for the finale against Norway on Tuesday.

"It's a real shame because he always gives his all, on and off the pitch," Conte told reporters. "We're confident that he'll be back for the game against Norway."

Pirlo, who signed an 18-month contract with New York City FC this summer, became the first player from Major League Soccer to represent the Azzurri in September.

Italy, which is currently first in Group H with 18 points, could seal its place in Euro 2016 with a win in either of its last two matches.