Lippi not replacing injured defenders for Georgia game

Italian defenders Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Gamberini, who got injured in their 2-1 opening World Cup qualifying win in Cyprus, will not be replaced, Italian coach Marcello Lippi said on Sunday.

Italy host Georgia in Udine for their second fixture on Wednesday but Lippi added no one would be added to the squad in place of Grosso, who has fractured ribs, and Gamberini, who dislocated a shoulder.

Italian team doctors said Grosso would be out for about a month and Gamberini would not be back for at least two weeks.

“There is no point in replacing someone who is going to sit in the stands,” said Lippi, explaining why he had not called up replacements.

Reigning world champions Italy needed a last-minute goal to eke out their 2-1 victory against Cyprus in a below-par performance on Saturday. Antonio Di Natale, with his second goal of the night, secured an undeserved three points in this Group Eight game.