Italians lose Barzagli but Balotelli fit
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Ahead of Euro 2012, Italy have almost certainly lost defender Andrea Barzagli through injury. The Juventus player suffered a first degree calf strain which is looking likely to keep him out for 20 days all but ruling him out of the Championships.
Manager Cesare Prandelli has until 24 hours before their opening match against Spain on Sunday to call up a possible replacement and it is looking likely he will do so. Andrea Ranocchia, who was left out of the original 23, is the most likely to get the call up.
Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli sat out training today but has been luckier than his colleague and has been passed fit to continue. He complained of a tightness in his right thigh before training and was told to sit out in a precautionary measure.
Despite earlier reports that he had injured his right knee, however the medical team have said that there is no permanent damage and have put it down to fatigue and he will return to training on Tuesday.
