Socrates

Buffon: 'No alibis for Italy' Jun 18, 2012 Gigi Buffon has warned Italy must accept tonight’s Euro 2012 results “without ifs, buts or alibis. The team that deserves it will go through.” The Azzurri must beat the Republic of Ireland and hope Spain-Croatia doesn’t end 2-2 in order to reach the quarter-finals. “If destiny wants it, then we will be rewarded, otherwise the team that deserves it will go through,” wrote the goalkeeper on his Facebook page. “That’s the truth, without ifs, buts or alibis. The only ingredients I know to win a game are head, heart, courage and legs. “When needed, I’ll try to add hands... The fans in the stadium can add their voices to the passion and trepidation of those gathering together with friends to watch on television. “What happy memories I have and what emotions, anger and joy at watching the Azzurri.”

Marchisio: 'Tense and surreal' Jun 18, 2012 Claudio Marchisio admits there were tense and “surreal” moments when waiting to hear the Spain result that sparked Italian celebrations. Although the Azzurri beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0, it would not have been enough to reach the Euro 2012 quarter-finals if Croatia had equalised against Spain. “We didn’t know the result and couldn’t really hear what the bench was telling us. It was even more emotional as we had to wait to find out what Spain did, but a new Euros begins for us now,” explained Marchisio. “I saw Gigi Buffon coming to the corner and thought ‘oh no, is it 1-1?’ but it hadn’t finished yet. It was surreal waiting for the news to come through, but then we all got to celebrate together.” Italy finally got a victory after two consecutive 1-1 draws against Spain and Croatia. “We brought on players who helped make the difference and we were determined to the very end. We suffered on Ireland’s long ball game, but overall deserved it and played well. “We played on a par with Spain and they are the strongest side in the world, so we proved ourselves here and can build on that performance.”

Chiellini limps out of Italy-Ireland clash with injury The Juventus defender went down after a challenge early in the second half in Poznan and was replaced by his club team-mate Bonucci. Jun 18, 2012 Italy defender Georgio Chiellini limped off during his side's Euro 2012 Group C match versus the Republic of Ireland after receiving a knock early in the second half. The Juventus centre-back was involved in a tangle with striker Kevin Doyle and was immediately replaced by his Bianconero team-mate Leonardo Bonucci. The Azzurri won the game 2-0 courtesy of goals from Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli and have progressed ahead of Croatia and alongside Spain, who have topped the group, to the quarter-final stage, but the injury could be a major loss for Cesare Prandelli's team. The centre-back had recovered from a thigh injury that he picked up in a win over Atalanta towards the end of the Serie A season, and there were doubts about whether the Old Lady defender would make a full recovery ahead of this summer's tournament. The substitution was swift and possibly a precaution, but a reoccurrence of the thigh injury could see him miss the rest of the competition. Goal.com's Italy expert Mark Doyle commented on the Chiellini substitution, saying: "Chiellini being forced off after another tangle with Doyle is very worrying. "It should not cause too much disruption given his Juventus colleague Bonucci has come on in his place, meaning the Azzurri will still have two Bianconero at the heart of their defence. "However, Chiellini did not look at all happy and he ever appeared to suggest he's suffered a serious injury, perhaps a break or a muscle tear. That would be a massive blow for the Azzurri given his importance to the team and his versatility."

Marotta: 'Inter can't ask Giovinco' Jun 16, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta warns Inter are “breaking the rules” by sniffing around Sebastian Giovinco, while they are “down to details” for Marco Verratti. Parma have confirmed that Inter are interested in Giovinco, who is currently co-owned by the Ducali and Juve. “I can’t understand how a club can make enquiries after a player who is owned by us and another club. It is breaking the rules,” slammed Marotta on Sky Sport Italia. “In any case, we believe that our strong rapport with Parma can help us reach a positive conclusion to the negotiations.” If the clubs do not reach an agreement by the end of next week, it’ll go to a blind auction. This means both sides put a figure in a sealed envelope and the highest bid wins. Marotta also commented on talks for Pescara and Italy midfielder Verratti, who was on the Euro 2012 long-list at the age of 19. “We are down to details for Verratti. As for Edinson Cavani, we have no meetings planned with Napoli and they’d do well to keep such a good striker.” Pescara have made it clear if they are to sell Verratti – the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ – then he’d remain at the Stadio Adriatico for at least another six months.

Barzagli: 'I'm ready for Ireland' Jun 16, 2012 Andrea Barzagli is ready to make his Euro 2012 debut against Ireland and criticised the media for focusing on a potential 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia. The defender was almost ruled out of the competition entirely by a calf strain, but has now recovered and could feature in Monday’s final Group C match. “I am ready and Cesare Prandelli will make the decision. It makes little difference to me whether I am to the right or the left of Daniele De Rossi in the three-man defence,” said the Juventus man. Most of the coverage on Italy’s chances of qualification have focused on the possible 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia, a result that would send both those teams through. “It is a complicated issue and it would’ve been better if we hadn’t talked about it,” noted Barzagli. “I do not put anyone’s motivation in doubt and it comes normal to me to think the reigning champions Spain would never consider playing for a draw. The same goes for the Croatians. “It is a mistake to even think about these things. In fact, I say it’s a problem stirred up by the media, because within the squad very few – probably nobody – believes this. “It’s true that it has already happened in football, but we are not thinking about this possibility. We only want to win our game.”

Marchisio warns Balotelli Jun 16, 2012 Claudio Marchisio supports Italy’s 3-5-2 system, warns Mario Balotelli “his opportunities could run out” and believes Spain won’t stitch up the Azzurri. Although Italy have to beat the Republic of Ireland on Monday evening, most of the media coverage has been on the possibility Spain-Croatia could end 2-2, rendering the other results futile. “I believe Spain when they say they’ll play to win, but then we have to believe them, otherwise we wouldn’t even step on to the pitch,” said Marchisio in today’s Press conference. “The Spaniards are certainly the favourites, but Croatia impressed me too, especially Luka Modric. As for our own record, I don’t want to think about comparisons with 2010. If we considered those, it would be negative for the team.” Italy went out in the group phase of the 2010 World Cup after two draws and a defeat, while so far in Euro 2012 they have only two points. Cesare Prandelli confirmed he is standing by the new 3-5-2 system, although there are rumours the Juventus players in the squad pushed for this approach. “Absolutely not,” assured Marchisio. “It was the Coach who realised with the men at his disposal that he could change system. Besides, in the two games we’ve played with the 3-5-2, the team has done well and didn’t run many risks at the back. “This Italy could be a little bit like Juventus mid-season when we had a few too many draws and I do see some analogies. With Juve we slowly managed to take our chances again and I hope the same will happen with Italy. “I had several scoring opportunities too over the last couple of games, but at the moment the important thing is for the team to score against Ireland. We have to win, the rest does not matter. “The way I see it, we won’t suffer the pressure of being either in or out, as we’re a team with so many experienced players and some World Cup winners. “Of course on paper we hoped things would go better than this, but in top competitions it can happen to struggle against teams with less quality, because they are more highly motivated.” Balotelli is new to a major tournament and has wasted several sitters, leading to reports he could be benched against Ireland. “We can all see that he’s not happy when he’s substituted and keeps it all in. The way I see it, the Coach could keep faith with him for the third match too, even if Mario also has to understand that sooner or later his opportunities could run out.” UEFA are taking disciplinary action against Croatia after their fans made racist chants and reportedly threw a banana on to the pitch when Balotelli was substituted. “It doesn’t take much intelligence to understand some things ought to be condemned,” added Marchisio.

Italy are playing like Juventus during mid-season, admits Marchisio Looking ahead to Monday's do-or-die match with Republic of Ireland, the midfielder believes that the Azzurri are playing good football, but need to take their chances. Jun 16, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has urged Italy to start taking their chances in front of goal on Monday, when the side take on Republic of Ireland in their Group C clash at Euro 2012. The Azzurri are at risk of falling at the first hurdle in consecutive tournaments, having drawn with Spain and Croatia in their opening two fixtures and sitting two points behind the duo with only one round of matches in the pool left. However, they gained plaudits for their impressive starts against their rivals, only to see their leads slip and a string of missed opportunities suffice. With this in mind, Marchisio took the time to offer an explanation for their profligacy. "Two draws like in 2010? I do not want to think [about the World Cup] at all, it would be a bad thing for the team to think about," he said at a press conference. "I have to say that in the two games we've played, the team have put some good moves together, but we have not taken enough risks to score. "This Italy reminds me of Juventus, who drew too many times during mid-season. With Juve, as the campaign wore on, we began to exploit more and more opportunities, little by little. "We hope to be able to do the same with Italy." The Juventus ace has too been guilty of not putting his chances away, with two close-range efforts in their last match being denied by Stipe Pletikosa, but he is more concerned about the team, as a collective unit, functioning properly in the final third. "I have had many scoring opportunities in these games, but at the moment, the most important thing is to score against Ireland. "Winning is all that matters. Personally, I believe we will not suffer at all from the pressure. We are a team with many players who know how it feels to be a world champion." "It has not [been a disappointment]. Certainly on paper it was hoped that things would be better, but in competitions like this, you often start by meeting teams with lesser quality, and they are more difficult to break down." Marchisio then responded to Xavi's pre-match quip that Spain would overcome Croatia in their last group match to seal progression, thereby dismissing the notion of a potential conspiracy. The 26-year-old, though, is not resting on his laurels. "Xavi said that Spain would beat Croatia? I believe him, but we mustn't necessarily believe it," he said at a press conference. "Can Croatia take the game to Spain? The Iberians are definitely favourites as they are superior to Croatia. "Still, they are a good team. I was very impressed by Modric." Team-mate Mario Balotelli has seen his campaign sadly tarnished by allegations of racist incidents in both of Italy's Group C fixtures to date, with derogatory chants being heard against Spain and a banana allegedly thrown onto the pitch by Croatia supporters. Nonetheless, Marchisio is expecting the 21-year-old to break through the shackles and put in his best performance yet for Italy at the European Championship against the Boys in Green. "We see that when all is not well [with Balotelli] he keeps it all inside of him," he continued. "In my view, he should be brimming with confidence for the third game, even if he has to understand that sooner or later he may lose his chance. "Racism? It does not take so much intelligence to realise that these things must be condemned." Finally, Marchisio gave his backing to Juventus' pursuit of Udinese duo Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, who should line up in the colours of the Old Lady next season. "I see the arrivals of Asamoah and Isla as positives. It is good to have squad depth. I'm sure that next season we will do well in Europe, we will not go there just to make up the numbers."

Buffon: An Italy win will do! Jun 15, 2012 Italy captain Gigi Buffon is confident Spain won’t be looking for a 2-2 draw against Croatia which could eliminate the Azzurri from Euro 2012. The Italian media is fearing a repeat of Euro 2004 when Giovanni Trapattoni’s side were dumped out of the competition thanks to a 2-2 between Sweden and Denmark. But the Juventus ‘keeper has told his official Facebook page that he believes a victory against the Republic of Ireland, now bossed by Trap, on Monday will be enough. “I’m convinced our destiny is exclusively in our own hands,” he stated after the 1-1 draw with Croatia. “If we win then we’ll go through, so we won’t start to worry unnecessarily about possible outcomes elsewhere. “When you have the awareness of being stronger, you’re not scared of anything. You play to enjoy yourselves and to win, while looking to express your superiority. “As I’ve said before, Spain will be Spain – I’m fully convinced about that.” Italy took the lead against Croatia on Thursday, but they failed to double their advantage and their opponents hit back after the break. “There’s an element of bitterness that will remain,” Buffon added. “At least until the next game – the decisive game!”

Bonucci defends Chiellini mistake Jun 15, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has refused to blame Italy teammate Giorgio Chiellini for Croatia’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw. The Juventus stopper mistimed his attempt to clear a cross and the result has left the Azzurri in third place in Group C with one game left. “We knew that Croatia would be especially dangerous when they throw balls into the area from the flanks,” Bonucci noted. “I, however, think that the positioning of the entire defence was wrong during their goal – it is never the fault of just one player when you concede in such a way. “Unfortunately, it takes just one incident to change the outcome of a game and that is what happened. “We played much better than Croatia in the first half, but our performance dropped in the second half and we paid the price for it.”

Buffon: 'Italy not clinical enough' Jun 14, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon insists Italy “play good football and just need to be more clinical when the scoring opportunities arise.” The Azzurri were held to a second consecutive 1-1 draw despite dominating the first half against Croatia. “We put in the performance and the desire to win, but we’re in a situation where it still depends on us. If we win the last game, then we can go through,” said the goalkeeper. “We could’ve finished more of our chances in the first half, as we had at least two or three great ones, but in a European Championship you’re facing tough opponents. “It was a shame getting this draw, especially as the defence had worked so well. We paid a heavy price for one of the few opportunities Croatia had. “Andrea Barzagli is doing well and recovering quickly, which is another weapon we can count on. “The team’s consistency also depends on the way we face games and play them. Objectively, I feel that this team is playing good football and just needs to be more clinical when the scoring opportunities arise. “When matches are so evenly balanced, we really cannot afford to give anything away. We will do everything we can to make the Italians proud.” Buffon was at Euro 2004 when a 2-2 draw between Denmark and Sweden knocked Italy out in the group phase. An identical situation could play out in Euro 2012 Group C if Spain beat Ireland this evening, as a 2-2 draw with Croatia would send both through. “In this case the two teams are of different quality, in that Spain are absolutely the favourites and strongest of all. “Their players have a pedigree that wouldn’t – in my view – allow them to be considered anti-sporting or become a laughing stock around the world for getting a 2-2.”

Chiellini takes the blame Jun 14, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini admits he “got my positioning wrong” when Italy conceded the Croatian equaliser. Andrea Pirlo’s free kick had put the Azzurri in front, but Mario Mandzukic secured a 1-1 draw in Euro 2012 Group C. “I was a little too tight and the ball was long, then Mandzukic did well to stop and score, but I certainly should’ve done better,” confessed Chiellini on Rai Sport. “Unfortunately at this level you get punished for every mistake. “We knew Croatia were good with crosses into the box and allowed them very little, but the team got too deep and we were under more pressure, then sadly I got my positioning wrong.”

Pirlo rues wasted chances Jun 14, 2012 Andrea Pirlo concedes Italy wasted the opportunities to defeat Croatia, as his majestic free kick was not enough. “We could’ve finished off the game with another goal in the first half, then went too deep after the break and it’s a shame Croatia got that equaliser,” said the midfielder after a 1-1 draw. “Today the team did well and we’ll see what to do on Monday. Goals are everything in football and hopefully we can start getting a few more of these chances in the net.” “We want to grow and improve. We sat back a bit too much after the break, which was normal considering Croatia were pushing forward in search of an equaliser. We can do better.” “It was a match we had to win, but there is no reason to get downhearted and we still have a chance of qualifying.” If Spain beat Ireland this evening, then both La Roja and Croatia will go through if they draw 2-2 in the final match. It is an identical situation to the one that saw Italy eliminated in Euro 2004 by a 2-2 between Sweden and Denmark. “Spain are a great side, so are Croatia, and I’m sure they’ll play fair.”

Chiellini takes blame for Croatia equaliser The 27-year-old knows that his error cost Italy an important win in Group C and says they need to stop giving their opponents chances to score. Jun 14, 2012 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has taken the blame for Croatia’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw on Thursday in Poznan. Mario Mandzukic was allowed to bring the ball down in the six-yard-box, after Ivan Strinic’s looping cross floated over the Italian's head. Mandzukic then smashed the ball home at the back post and the 27-year-old admits he should have done better. "I made the mistake for Croatia's goal. I gave too much space to Mandzukic. He did well to control the ball and score, but I had to be closer to him," Chiellini told reporters after the game. It was the same story against Spain in their opening Group C game as Italy took the lead through Antonio Di Natale but were pegged back just four minutes later when Cesc Fabregas was allowed to run through and score. The Juventus defender knows the importance of keeping a clean sheet and how tough it can be defending on an international level. "Even against Spain we were winning and at this level it is like this. You give away a chance and they will score. In the second half we were too close to our own goal." The two draws means Italy will have to beat the Republic of Ireland in their final game to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Capello: Pirlo makes the difference for Italy The former England boss is impressed with the Azzurri midfielder, and sees the Juventus playmaker as the team's undisputed star. Jun 14, 2012 Fabio Capello has taken the time to praise Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo following his stellar performances against Spain and Croatia at Euro 2012. The Juventus playmaker provided the assist for the opening goal in the Azzurri's 1-1 draw versus the titleholders last Sunday, and scored an exquisite free-kick in the stalemate with Croatia on Thursday. "The player who has made the difference is Andrea Pirlo," Capello stated to Uefa.com. "Pirlo makes the difference but I have to say that the real surprise has been the quality and the confidence with which the Italy midfielders have been playing." "Largely Thiago Motta and Claudio Marchisio but more so Pirlo because he is the player who has a lot of the ball and every time he starts a move it's a move which will be dangerous for the opposition." Capello also had words of praise for veteran attacker Antonio Di Natale, who netted Italy's opener against Spain. "Di Natale played for 20 or 30 minutes against Spain but scored the goal and had a chance to score a second one. These are the type of players who, luckily for the coach, can be brought off the bench and are directly involved in the game. These are dangerous players." Italy have two points from their first two games in Group C and will lock horns with the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Jarni: Croatia must stop Pirlo to beat Italy The former Vatreni international defender believes that the new-look Italians pose a big attacking threat which can only be stemmed by closely marking their playmaker. Jun 14, 2012 Former Croatia full-back Robert Jarni believes that Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is central to the Azzurri's new brand of attacking football under Cesare Prandelli. Prandelli's men produced an impressive performance in their Group C opening match - a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Spain. Croatia currently top the group after their 3-1 victory over Republic of Ireland, but Jarni believes Italy will present his compatriots with a much stiffer test when the two countries clash in the Stadion Miejski in Poznan on Thursday. Talking to 24Sata, Jarni highlighted Juventus playmaker - and 2006 World Cup winner - Pirlo as the Azzurri's heartbeat and supply line. "Prandelli has completely changed Italy, they score more goals now and are no longer considered defensive," he stated. "Italy will probably play 3-5-2 and look to push forward but, due to our disciplined formation, they will not have as much space as they did against Spain. "Regardless of the likes of Balotelli, Cassano and Di Natale in attack, the key to Italy's game is in their midfield. Marchisio is doing a phenomenal job and even more attention needs to be paid to Pirlo. "We must not allow him too much time on the ball. We will play against a team who have been world champions, a team who cannot be compared with Ireland. But no matter what, I think we can beat Italy."

Xabi Alonso admires Pirlo Jun 9, 2012 Xabi Alonso believes Italy are “combative and competitive” when under pressure, revealing Spain have studied Andrea Pirlo and their tactics carefully. The two nations go head to head in the Group C opener on Sunday at 17.00 UK time. “Scandals and injuries are just reasons for us to be even more concerned about facing Italy,” Xabi Alonso told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “All this chaos makes us even more alert, because we know what the Azzurri are like. We saw you in 2006 with a big scandal, Juventus sent to Serie B and Italy winning the World Cup. “Italy are combative and competitive when dealing with difficulties. The problems they are going through do not remotely relax us.” Cesare Prandelli is likely to switch to a 3-5-2 system after three consecutive friendly defeats without scoring a goal. “We are studying hard. If you play with five at the back, five in the middle, four in a diamond or with the Christmas Tree formation, we are ready. “That won’t make us change the way we play, though. It’s just about being intelligent and trying to anticipate the moves of our opponents. We pay attention, but are not obsessed by tactics,” continued Xabi Alonso. “Pirlo is decisive and that is certainly not a surprise. This season he did a great thing, as it wasn’t easy to leave Milan after a spectacular career as leader and model player to join Juve and win the title with style. “Pirlo has always put himself forward as a reference point for seeking ever more beautiful football. I always liked Pirlo, because he never wanted to be a protagonist off the field, so ended up being one for what he does on the pitch.”

CONI sure 'Juve will abide by rules' June 9, 2012 CONI President Gianni Petrucci is “confident Juventus will respect the rules” by placing a new Calciopoli-baiting motto on their shirts. The Bianconeri had been expected to add a third star to their jerseys for next season, each one representing 10 Scudetti. This raised huge controversy, as the club was stripped of two titles in the Calciopoli scandal, so have 28 rather than 30. Instead, Juve announced they will have a motto on the club symbol that reads: ‘30 sul campo’ (30 won on the pitch). “I know President Andrea Agnelli very well and really respect him as a person,” commented Petrucci, President of the Italian Olympic Committee. “For this reason I am firmly confident Juventus will respect the rules with whatever it is they’ll do.”

Juventus shirts will not have third golden star but '30 won on the pitch' motto The Bianconeri sparked outrage by refusing to acknowledge the fact that they were stripped of two Scudetti because of their alleged involvement in Calciopoli. June 8, 2012 Juventus have decided against sewing a third golden star onto their shirts but the words "30 won on the pitch" will appear beneath the club crest. The Bianconeri lifted the Scudetto last month and angered many of their rivals by revealing that they would put a third gold star on their jerseys in recognition of what they believe is their 30th Serie A title, even though they were stripped of two championships in the Calciopoli scandal. However, Juve commercial director Francesco Calvo has now revealed that the club has had something of a change of heart. “The new Juventus shirt will not have the third star on it,” the Bianconeri official told Sky Sport Italia. “Instead, under the club logo, will appear the words: 30 won on the pitch. "Our shirt represents Juventus and their people. Only the club, along with all the fans, can define our identity.” Juve lifted the title after becoming only the third side in history to go through an entire Serie A campaign undefeated.

Pirlo fit to face Spain despite sitting out Italy training session The veteran regista remained on the sidelines as the Azzurri are unwilling to jeopardise his participation in the eagerly-awaited Group C clash with the defending champions. June 7, 2012 Andrea Pirlo caused a stir by sitting out training on Wednesday, but any fears were quickly dashed as the Italy midfielder has been passed fit to face Spain in Gdansk on Sunday. The Juventus playmaker appeared briefly just before the session in Krakow but returned to the dressing room without lacing up after a brief chat with the Azzurri's coaching staff. Pirlo picked up a minor knock earlier this week that he has yet to fully recover from and it was decided that there was no sense in running the risk of aggravating the injury. Meanwhile, Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio eased concerns over his participation in Italy's Euro 2012 opener against the defending champions by returning to training after his recent thigh problem. Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli was again left kicking his heels on the sidelines as he prepares for the final medical exams on his calf strain which will determine whether he will be able to play any part in his country's campaign. The Azzurri's hugely-anticipated Group C curtain raiser with Spain is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET.

Spain should be scared of us, insists Chiellini The Azzurri have been rocked by the loss of a couple of key players and are coming off the back of a resounding friendly defeat by Russia, but the Juventus man is feeling upbeat. June 7, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has dismissed the suggestion that Italy should be worried of what is awaiting them in Gdansk on Sunday evening, insisting that it is Spain who should be "scared" of the Azzurri. The Azzurri's preparations for their Euro 2012 opener have been far from ideal, given the Scommessopoli investigation has deprived them of the services of first-choice left-back Domenico Criscito and injury has ruled defender Andrea Barzagli out of the group stages. There is also the fact that they are going into the tournament on the back of three successive friendly defeats. However, Chiellini has revealed that Cesare Prandelli's men have been lifted by the fantastic support they have received since arriving in Poland and that facing La Roja, the reigning world and European champions, holds no fear for the Azzurri. "They should be scared of us," the versatile Juventus defender, who had been an injury doubt for the game, told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. "The 10,000 who attended our training session [Tuesday] evening have given us new enthusiasm after a week that was not easy easy for us because of the many more or less legitimate attacks that we suffered. "But we are good at isolating ourselves and thinking only of the pitch. I'm feeling good and have been training with the rest of the group for a few days. There is a great desire to start this adventure." Indeed, Chiellini believes that the Euros should now be regarded as the pinnacle of international competition. "The game against Spain is maybe proof that the European Championship is more difficult than the World Cup." Italy's Group C clash with Vicente del Bosque's side will kick off at 18:00CET.

Pirlo returns to Italy training Jun 7, 2012 Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo was back in training on Thursday after he was rested as a precautionary measure yesterday. The key Juventus player missed Wednesday’s sessions due to concern over a bruised right calf muscle. The 33-year-old returned to action in Krakow this morning which will come as a boost to boss Cesare Prandelli ahead of the Spain game. Cagliari defender Davide Astori was also included after he joined up with the rest of the squad in Poland this week. Astori has been selected as cover for Andrea Barzagli should the Juventus man be ruled out of the competition with a calf strain. A decision on his inclusion will be made on Friday.

Pirlo 'has bruised calf' Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has slight bruising on his calf, but is not thought to be at risk for Italy’s opening Euro 2012 game. The Juventus midfielder did not take part in today’s training session in Krakow and it was later revealed by staff that he was suffering from a bruise to his right calf muscle. However, it is only a light injury and the Azzurri are not worried about his fitness for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. Meanwhile, Christian Maggio returned to training after his muscular problem, while Davide Astori joined the group. The Cagliari defender was flown in to Poland as a stand-by in case Andrea Barzagli has to go home due to a calf strain. A final decision on Barzagli will be made on Friday.

Pirlo skips Italy session Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli skipped today’s training session as Italy prepare for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. The Azzurri took to the field this afternoon in Krakow, but Pirlo did not change into his football boots. When Cesare Prandelli called for the squad to begin their fitness work, the Juventus midfielder spoke briefly to the staff and then went back into the locker room.

Chiellini: De Rossi can defend Jun 6, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini says a three-man defence which includes Daniele De Rossi could work for Italy at Euro 2012. Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli is considering the use of a 3-5-2 system, but his plans to field a Juventus trio have been scuppered by injury. Although Chiellini is now back to full fitness alongside Juve colleague Leonardo Bonucci, Prandelli has tested Roma midfielder De Rossi in place of the sidelined Andrea Barzagli this week. “We are ready to play with three at the back and De Rossi has demonstrated that he knows what to do,” the stopper stated on Wednesday. “I don’t think that the Coach has definitely decided to try out a defence with three centre-backs, but that doesn’t matter. “We are all used to playing that way for our clubs and therefore the Coach will decide on what is the best thing to do. “De Rossi played in defence for Roma against us [Juventus] earlier in the season and he had a great game.” Chiellini should be in the starting XI to face Spain on Sunday after recovering from a thigh strain suffered on May 13 in the 3-1 win over Atalanta. “The injury was less serious than first thought,” he added. “I’m ready to play and I have no fear about doing so.” The Azzurri qualified for the tournament with ease, but they have lost their last three friendly games against Uruguay, USA and Russia. “There was a slump in results after qualification, but it is a bit much to say that we have disappeared. We’re now in Poland, the atmosphere has changed and we are finally breathing the air of Euro 2012.”