Injured Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi looks unlikely to face Germany in Saturday’s Euro 2016 quarter final, the Azzurri’s medical staff said.
De Rossi who has been rock solid for Antonio Conte’s side was taken off early in the second half of Monday’s 2-0 win over Spain due to a “severe right thigh injury” and team doctor Enrico Castellacci said on Wednesday that the Roma midfielder is unlikely to return in time for Saturday’s clash in Bordeaux.
He is working very hard, we are doing everything for him to recover and we can’t give a timeframe but we are aware that the problem is serious.Enrico Castellacci, Team Doctor, Italy
The situation is not helped by the absence of Lazio winger Antonio Candreva. Candreva, one of Italy’s top players in their impressive opening win over Belgium, suffered a hamstring injury in their second group game, a 1-0 win over Sweden.
Commenting on Candreva’s situation, Castellacci said:
He’s made clear progress, but not enough to warrant his immediate return to the team.
.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
As Italy look to extend their eight-match unbeaten record against Germany in major tournaments, De Rossi’s absence would be a major blow for coach Antonio Conte with Thiago Motta, his most likely replacement, also missing through suspension.
However, Roma midfielder Alessandro Florenzi insisted Italy will not look for excuses if they lose. Florenzi said:
Excuses about not having such and such a player available, or about teams having one more day of rest than the others are all for losers.
Conte said prior to the tournament he was determined to give all 23 squad players the chance to shine, and Motta’s suspension could give Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro the chance to impress his old boss at the Turin club. While confidence is high after toppling Spain, Florenzi said Germany will be a far bigger challenge.
All 23 of us can do this. We’ve already climbed some mountains here but (with Germany) we’re facing Everest.Alessandro Florenzi, Roma Midfielder
(With inputs from Reuters and PTI.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)