Zambrotta out of Ghana clash

Gianluca Zambrotta has been ruled out of Italy’s World Cup opener against Ghana.

The Juventus full-back had a fitness test on his thigh injury and the results revealed he would not be ready in time for Monday’s game.

“We hope that (Marcello) Lippi will have Zambrotta available for the second clash, against the United States,” said Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci.

The Azzurri’s other defensive doubt, AC Milan centre-back Alessandro Nesta, will have a late test on Saturday to see if he has recovered from a muscular injury.

“We hope to have Nesta back at soon as possible but we will not take any risks,” added Castellacci.

The squad travel to Germany tomorrow.