Alessandro Nesta Loses Battle For Fitness

Adam Wolf

SkySports



Italy coach Marcello Lippi will have to mastermind victory over Germany without defender Alessandro Nesta.

The cultured Milan stopper has been on the sidelines since damaging a groin during Italy's final group game against Czech Republic.

Nesta had hoped to figure in Tuesday's semi-final in Dortmund, but his groin has not responded as quickly as anticipated and he will not play any part against Germany.

"Nesta is not available," said Lippi. "He is improving and we tried to get him back but without forcing things."

Nesta has trained with the squad and he could figure in either the final or third/fourth place play-off.

Marco Materazzi is likely to return to the side and partner Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of the back four, having been suspended for the quarter final win over Ukraine. Andre Barzagli is likely to make way.

Mauro Camoranesi has recovered from a knee problem and is available for selection.

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This is a big blow for the Italians. Nesta is a key man and a fantastic defender with a wealth of experience. If Materazzi is back from his suspension, it won't make a different since the space between their talents in very wide. To me Nesta is 9/10, Materazzi 1/10 and I'm being nice.