Agence France-Presse
Marseille, June 30: Injury-hit midfielder Daniele de Rossi is virtually certain to miss Italy’s Euro 2016 quarterfinal clash Saturday with World Champions Germany, the Azzurri’s medical staff said here Thursday.
De Rossi has been rock solid for Antonio Conte’s side as they upset pre-tournament predictions to top Group E then overcame defending champions Spain, Monday.
De Rossi is suffering from a ‘serious right thigh injury’ picked up in the win over Spain. Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said the Roma midfielder is unlikely to return in time for Saturday’s clash in Bordeaux.
“It’s a very serious situation,” said Castellacci. “We’re trying everything to get him back in time. But we can’t give any prognosis because the recovery has been slow so far.” The loss is a significant blow for Italy as they look to secure their first Euro semifinal spot since 2000.
Their situation has not been helped by the absence of Lazio winger Antonio Candreva. One of Italy’s top players in their impressive opening win over Belgium, striker Candreva suffered a hamstring injury in their second group game, a 1-0 win over Sweden.
Castellacci said the player has been ‘working really hard’ to be fit. “He’s made clear progress, but not enough to warrant his immediate return to the team. “He’s getting better, but he’s not cured yet,” Castellacci informed.
The absence of suspended midfielder Thiago Motta is a further headache for Conte as Italy look to extend their eight-match unbeaten record against Germany in major tournaments.
Roma midfielder Alessandro Florenzi insisted Italy will not look for excuses if they lose. “Excuses about not having such and such a player available, or about teams having one more day of rest than the others are all for losers,” asserted Florenzi.
