Krakow, Poland: Injured Italy players Daniele De Rossi, Ignazio Abate and Giorgio Chiellini are undergoing intensive physiotherapy to try to be fit for Thursday’s Euro 2012 semi-final with Germany.
Team doctor Enrico Castellacci refused to rule any of the three in or out on Tuesday, even remaining cautious on Chiellini’s chances despite the centre-back training normally after a thigh problem.
“We are doing eveything possible,” Castellacci said.
Chiellini would probably come in for Leonardo Bonucci in the middle of the defence.
Midfielder De Rossi and right-back Abate came off with muscle injuries in the quarter-final against England.
The dynamic De Rossi, who also has a sciatic nerve problem, would likely be replaced by fellow tough tackler Antonio Nocerino, but coach Cesare Prandelli has a big decision to make if Abate is not fit for the Warsaw game.
Fellow right-back Christian Maggio is suspended, so Prandelli could either move a centre-half like Bonucci or Andrea Barzagli to the right or change to the three at the back he used in the opening two group games.
Maggio played right wing-back in those games so Prandelli may have to ask winger Fabio Borini, unused so far, to operate more defensively.
