De Rossi injury scare for Italy

(GSM) – Italy have been given an injury scare by midfielder Daniele De Rossi as he sat out his side’s 6-0 win over over local representative side Gauteng All Stars on Friday.

The Roma star was not risked after struggling with a minor calf problem, but Italy are confident the key midfielder will be fit for their World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay in Cape Town on Monday.

Andrea Pirlo has been ruled out of the game against Paraguay and Italy coach Marcello Lippi will be keen to have De Rossi available to play.

Lippi named a strong starting line-up, including Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro going with a 4-3-3 formation before making 10 changes in the second half.

The Azzurri ran out winners thanks to brace each from Giampaolo Pazzini and Simone Pepe with Vincenzo Iaquinta and Antonio Di Natale also getting on the scoresheet.