Zenit Saint Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito has been ruled out of Italy's two remaining Euro 2012 qualifiers with a groin strain, the Italian football federation announced on Tuesday.

Palermo defender Federico Balzaretti and Inter Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini are also doubtful for the ties against Serbia and Northern Ireland because of injury.

Italy have already booked their spot for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine next year as Group C winners but both their opponents are still in contention for second place and a spot in the play-offs.

Italy travel to Belgrade on Friday and host Northern Ireland at Pescara next Tuesday.