Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will miss their next Group F game against New Zealand after being diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back.

Buffon's participation in the rest of the World Cup was believed to be in jeopardy after he was replaced at half-time during Monday's opening 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

The Juventus keeper was sent for scans on a mystery back problem which has now been confirmed as a herniated disc. Federico Marchetti, who replaced Buffon against Paraguay, is now likely to start against All Whites in Nelspruit on Sunday.

However, Buffon could return for the final group game against Slovakia on June 24.

"The hernia is small, but even a small hernia can cause great pain," said team doctor Enrico Castellacci.

"It's not easy to make a prognosis but it's a small margin and Buffon strongly wants to recuperate.  There is a desire on Buffon's behalf to recuperate - a chance that we have no right to take away."