Calf injury threatens Italian Pirlo's chance

Influential Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for Italy's World Cup defence after suffering a calf injury in Thursday's friendly defeat to Mexico.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jun 2010, 00:56 BST
Updated 5th Jun 2010, 00:56 BST

Pirlo has been ruled out of the Azzurri's final warm-up match against Switzerland in Geneva today after picking up the injury that could rule him out for up to three weeks.

Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci admitted the injury was a concern to the medical team but was prepared to give the 31-year-old every opportunity to feature in South Africa.

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"Pirlo's injury is something that worries me but fortunately there's time," Castellacci said.

"Every physique reacts in a different way, and Pirlo will be monitored day by day."

Pirlo will travel with the rest of the squad to South Africa following today's game against the Swiss, but will almost certainly be unavailable for the Azzurri's opening game against Paraguay on June 14.

Kaka has reassured Brazil he is in "great condition" after overcoming his injury problems.

The Real Madrid playmaker's participation at the World Cup was threatened by a groin injury that contributed to his loss of form this season.

Related topics:ItalyMexicoSouth AfricaSwitzerland