The Nerazzurri officials expressed their irritation after Vieira sustained his thigh injury, which will force him out of Inter's Serie A clash with Catania on Sunday.

Les Bleus skipper, who has just recently recovered from a long-term setback, played both ties against Italy and Scotland despite representing Inter briefly so far this season.

The Italian champions could lose Vieira's services as well when they kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign against Fenerbahce on Wednesday.

The Vieira case is another episode of the club vs. country saga, which saw Italy coach Roberto Donadoni fall out with Bayern Munich over the injury of striker Luca Toni.