Woe for Spain as Villa ruled out
The Barcelona forward has failed to prove his fitness to coach Vicente del Bosque after fracturing his tibia while in action for the Catalan side at the World Club Challenge in Japan in December and will now miss the Euros where Spain face Italy, Ireland and Croatia in Group C.
Del Bosque had promised to give the 30-year-old until the last moment to get himself ready but, with his squad set to be named on Sunday, he has called time on Villa‘s race to be fit.
A statement on the Spanish Football Federation’s official website last night read: “David Villa definitely cannot be on the list for Euro 2012. Villa spoke with the national team doctor this afternoon after the arrival of the team in the Austrian town of Schruns.
“After not getting in the final practice and development desired, David Villa spoke with Del Bosque, who relayed that although it was Villa’s wish to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, that his physical state was ‘not as good‘ as would be desirable.”
Villa is Spain’s all-time record goalscorer, having netted 51 goals in 82 appearances.
Meanwhile Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has warned Manchester City star Mario Balotelli to make the headlines for the right reasons at Euro 2012.
The 21-year-old is included in Prandelli’s squad despite his involvement in a string of controversies last season.
However Prandelli has warned the striker to be on his best behaviour in the Euros.
“In my opinion, he has to see it as an extraordinary occasion for him as it is for the national side,’’ he said.
“It is a time for him to be written about for what he does on the pitch and not what he has done off it.’’
Prandelli dismissed Italy’s hopes of winning the tournament, but hopes his team will reestablish themselves among Europe’s elite.
“We are not going to win the Euros, but I like to say that the Italians know how to surprise,’’ he said.
“I would like to show that the team has at least worked well and which is arriving at this Euros knowing it is experiencing a unique moment with a smile on its lips.’’
Italy’s chances of making an impact in Poland will be significantly boosted if Giorgio Chiellini is available and yesterday the Juventus defender issued an upbeat update on his battle for fitness for the opening game against Spain. Chiellini sustained a right thigh strain in Juventus’ final game of the Serie A season on May 13 and was ruled out for 20 days.
Chiellini will miss two friendlies against Luxembourg on May 29 and Russia on June 1 but hopes to return to action for the start of Euro 2012.
“I will be ready at the right time,” Chiellini said. “If I don’t take part in the two friendly games prior to the tournament, then it will be as a precautionary measure.
“I want to be ready to take on Spain on June 10 and I will be.”
Chiellini was included in Prandelli’s preliminary squad for the finals but the manager has issued a warning that only the fittest will make the final cut on May 28. “We have been very clear with all the players,” Prandelli said. “We cannot allow to take players that are not 100% fit.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
