Italy goalkeeper dianosed with herniated disk

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been diagnosed with a herniated disk, which could rule him out for the remaining games in the World Cup.



Team physician Enrico Castellacci says the recovery period will \"not be brief,\" adding that it was impossible to set a specific return date.



Buffon exited after the first half of Italy\'s 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Monday and was replaced by backup Federico Marchetti. He underwent an MRI at a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa today.



The defending champions next face New Zealand on Sunday, then round out Group F play against Slovakia four days later.