Italy could have Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi and Ignazio Abate back in time to face Germany, as the chief medic admits everything is being done.
Italy could have Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi and Ignazio Abate back in time to face Germany, as the chief medic admits everything is being done.
Chiellini is a major doubt having suffered a thigh injury just over a week ago, whilst De Rossi and Abate are both also struggling to make Thursday’s semi-final in Warsaw after muscle-related injuries picked up in Sunday’s quarter-final win over England.
However, the Azzurri’s team doctor Enrico Castellacci has revealed that progress is being made with all three players. Chiellini returned to training yesterday.
“Another 24-48 hours would have been useful, it could be decisive,” began the chief medic in reference to Germany’s extra two days of rest before the semi-final.
“But, the will and determination of these players is impressive. Chiellini reminds me a bit of Gennaro Gattuso in 2006. He is carrying out the recovery program.
“We will continue to try therapy so as to make him available to the Coach for the match against Germany.
“Abate had a left hamstring strain, he is undergoing all the physiotherapy treatments needed, as too is De Rossi, who is suffering from sciatica in his left leg.
“We’re all still pretty tired in general because of the emotional and physical stress of the last game, but we’ll still try to recover everyone in time.”