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.
|