Andrea Bertolacci assured he will “grit my teeth” to play in the Milan Derby after an injury for Italy.

The midfielder was forced to leave international duty this week after picking up a muscular problem during the 1-0 win over Malta on Thursday.

“Towards the end of the first half I felt this pain, then it got stronger and stronger as the second half wore on, so I asked for a substitution,” Bertolacci told Sky Sport Italia.

“Now we’ll see what the test results say and hope for the best.”

Andrea Bertolacci assured he will “grit my teeth” to play in the Milan Derby after an injury for Italy.

The midfielder was forced to leave international duty this week after picking up a muscular problem during the 1-0 win over Malta on Thursday.

“Towards the end of the first half I felt this pain, then it got stronger and stronger as the second half wore on, so I asked for a substitution,” Bertolacci told Sky Sport Italia.

“Now we’ll see what the test results say and hope for the best.”

It’s a race against time, as Milan face Inter in the Derby della Madonnina next Sunday night.

“I am so eager to play in this game. I’ll grit my teeth and do everything possible to be there.”

Italy continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Bulgaria tomorrow evening.

“The Malta game wasn’t easy, because when everyone is behind the ball it’s tough to play even for a strong side like Italy.

“Whoever would’ve faced Malta in those circumstances would’ve struggled and it just needed a moment to break the deadlock.

“We have to try and secure qualification on Sunday against Bulgaria.”

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