Vieri and Diana out of the reckoning

Monaco striker Christian Vieri and Sampdoria defender Aimo Diana have been ruled out of Italy's World Cup squad due to injuries, Italy coach Marcello Lippi said yesterday.

Vieri is to have surgery on his left knee after suffering an injury during a game against Paris SG in March while Diana has been sidelined with a groin injury.

Lippi will announce his final squad of 23 players on May 15, a week before the squad begins its pre-World Cup training camp.

"I have very clear ideas about my squad and a few injuries have contributed to clarifying the position," Lippi said. "Vieri has an operation on his knee and won't be available while Diana has a serious groin injury that won't be right in time and so he won't be able to be called up."