Zambrotta out, Nesta doubtful for Italy opener

Left-back Gianluca Zambrotta will miss Italy's opening World Cup Group E match against Ghana on Monday after failing to recover from a thigh strain picked up in training two weeks ago.

Central defender Alessandro Nesta also faces a race against time to be fit after aggravating an old adductor muscle injury in Friday's 0-0 friendly draw with Ukraine, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on its website yesterday.

The FIGC made the announcement after the duo underwent scans in Florence. The squad are scheduled to fly out to their training base in Duisburg today.

Team doctor Enrico Castellacci said a decision on Nesta's fitness would be taken after tests on Saturday, and was optimistic Zambrotta would be fit for the second match against US on June 17.

"We're counting on getting Nesta back as soon as possible, even if we don't want to run any risks," he said.

"As for Zambrotta, I'm hoping to have him ready for (coach Marcello) Lippi for the second match."

Lippi is expected to bring in Fabio Grosso for Zambrotta on Monday.

The Palermo player was among Italy's most lively performers against Ukraine.

If Nesta is unfit, his place may be taken by Marco Materazzi.

The other team in Italy's group are Czech Republic.