Buffon's back injury worse than expected

Irene: Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has a herniated disk, putting the rest of his World Cup at risk.

Team physician Enrico Castellacci said on Wednesday the recovery period would "not be brief," adding 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 on Wednesday.

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