Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is in doubt for the World Cup after sustaining a calf injury on Wednesday.
Injury could force Italy midfielder to sit out tournament
Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is in doubt for the World Cup after sustaining a calf injury on Wednesday.
The AC Milan player is resting at home after damaging the calf muscle in his left leg during the Azzurri's 2-1 friendly loss to Mexico on Wednesday night.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have confirmed that Pirlo, who will sit out Saturday's friendly against Switzerland, will fly to South Africa with the rest of the squad and continue to undergo evaluation ahead of Italy's opener against Paraguay on 14th June.
Italy's doctor Enrico Castellacci also said the recovery time for such injuries is between 15 to 20 days, meaning Pirlo could be fit for Italy's second group match against New Zealand on June 20.
Coach Marcello Lippi is already uncertain over the fitness of winger Mauro Camoranesi, who has a knee injury, and the loss of Pirlo could prove a severe blow to the holders.
Pirlo was named man of the match in the 2006 World Cup final after scoring a penalty in their shoot-out triumph over France.
The midfielder also landed Italy's first goal of the tournament that year, in their 2-0 win against Ghana.
