Italy rocked by Cannavaro injury

BAK · 2008-06-03T01:50:30+00:00

Italy rocked by Cannavaro injury BBC News Online The injury may signal the end of Cannavaro's international career Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss Euro 2008 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle during training. The Real Madrid defender collided with Giorgio Chiellini in a practice match at Italy's base in Austria on Monday. After the incident, Cannavaro laid on the pitch for about 20 minutes before being stretchered off. Fiorentina's Alessandro Gamberini has been called up as his replacement, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely to take over the captaincy. Italy had been in Austria for just six hours when Cannavaro suffered his injury. A statement issued by the Italian Football Federation said: "The news we feared was confirmed in Baden late on Monday evening. 606: DEBATE How will the Azzuri cope without their talismanic skipper? "Fabio Cannavaro will say goodbye to our European adventure, before it has even begun. "The captain has suffered torn ligaments, which happened the moment his foot made contact with the ground. His ankle twisted awkwardly." Cannavaro, 34, capped 116 times, skippered Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, winning the World Player of the Year award. His absence is a serious setback for Italy, who are in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death' with France, the Netherlands and dark horses Romania. However, the emergence of centre back Andrea Barzagli, who has produced some assured displays for Italy in the last year, will slightly cushion the blow. Defender Marco Materazzi is also in the squad while Chiellini and Christian Panucci can play at centre back rather than full back. Italy open their campaign against the Dutch on Monday 9 June in Berne.

Thread starter BAK
Start date Jun 3, 2008

BAK

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Italy rocked by Cannavaro injury

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