Ukraine, Italy have key players injured
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-29 09:11

BERLIN -- Ukraine and Italy each announced the loss of key players Wednesday for their upcoming World Cup quarterfinals match.

Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin and Italy defender Alessandro Nesta are both out with thigh injuries for their Friday match in Hamburg.

Voronin is lost for the tournament and will not play if Ukraine advances.

"It is over for him," team spokesman Igor Miroshnyschenko told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Nesta's right thigh injury has bothered him on and off for the last couple months, but he hopes to play if Italy makes the semifinal. He aggravated it in Italy's 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the first round and was sidelined for second round.

"It's a lot better and I'm very confident I'll play again soon, but not for this game," Nesta said after a new round of medical exams. "I'll do everything I can to play the next game."

Marco Materazzi replaced Nesta against Australia but picked up a red card after 50 minutes and will also miss the Ukraine game. That leaves the starting job to the inexperienced Andrea Barzagli.