Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has been rated doubtful for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals after picking up a hamstring injury against Republic of Ireland.
The Juventus defender had recovered from a thigh problem in the nick of time to declare himself available for the tournament finals, but he has now suffered a fresh injury that could rule him out of team’s most important game.
The highly rated defender was forced to come off in the 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland after clashing with Kevin Doyle.
“These injuries never have immediate recovery periods but we’ll have to wait for the tests we’ll conduct in a couple of days,” Italy team doctor Enrico Castelazzi said after the game.
Boss Cesare Prandelli, however, believes Chiellini could recover in time for the Azzurri’s next game.
“I have faith in our great physios and medical staff to get him ready,” Prandelli explained.
The Azzurri were made to sweat over their progress to the quarter-finals as Spain and Croatia could have played a 2-2 draw that would take both sides to the next stage.
Nonetheless, La Furia Roja managed to win the game and helped Italy make it through from the second place in the group.
Following yet another impressive display, the Azzurri are now fifth favourites for the title, and they are priced at 11.00 (10/1) with Ladbrokes.
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