27/05/2002

INZAGHI OUT OF ITALY OPENER

Italy have confirmed that Filippo Inzaghi's knee injury will rule him out of their World Cup opener against Ecuador, although the striker should be available for the next game against Croatia.

"The situation looks better than expected," said Azzurri doctor Andrea Ferretti following fears that the AC Milan star would have to fly home after picking up the injury in Sunday's 2-1 win over J-League champions Kashima Antlers.

Inzaghi got a knock on the knee which troubled him throughout last season, but tests revealed no ligament-damage.

"We feel happy now. This is in no way a relapse of the previous injury," explained Ferretti. "He needs only three days of physiotherapy before starting rehabilitation. I think he will be ready for the second match on June 8."

Marco di Vaio and Massimo Ambrosini were put on stand-by following the injury, which saw Inzaghi replaced by Vincenzo Montella having headed Italy's opener in the triumph in Tokyo

[Onefootball.com]