June 7, 2006
ITALY INJURY REPORT
Gattuso, Zambrotta out vs. Ghana

Italy heads into their Group E opener against Ghana banged up with Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluca Zambrotta both ruled out, Alessandro Nesta is doubtful and Francesco Totti is questionable.

Gattuso is out with a thigh injury and is very much in doubt for the Azzzuri's second match against the U.S. June 17.

"I'm disappointed. Missing two games is a lot for me," Gattuso said. "I'm not superstitous but I think someone has put a curse on me. But I'm going to the World Cup, even if I have to tie myself with a rope to the team bus."

Also out with a thigh strain is Zambrotta, Nesta has an aggrevated adductor muscle injury and Totti is attempting to regain full fitness after a serious ankle injury three months ago.

"I will replace him on the field, but not in the squad," Italy manager Marcello Lippi said. "Gattuso stays with us and I hope he will recover as soon as possible."

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