De Sciglio sigh of relief

By Football Italia staff

Mattia De Sciglio will miss the England game, but remain in Brazil with Italy’s World Cup squad after a muscular injury.

The Milan full-back pulled up during training today and went to a local hospital for more in-depth tests.

De Sciglio has been diagnosed with a muscle contracture in the left femoral bicep, but not a full-blown strain.

This means he will miss the opening game against England on Saturday night, but stay with the squad for the remainder of the tournament.

“De Sciglio will stay with us,” explained chief medic Professor Castellacci.

“There are also no concerns for the second game against Costa Rica.”

Italy will play Costa Rica in Recife on Friday June 20 at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

There had been genuine fears De Sciglio could be ruled out for the rest of the World Cup, allowing Cesare Prandelli to call up a replacement up to 24 hours before the first match.

Potential stand-ins would be Andrea Ranocchia, Christian Maggio, Manuel Pasqual or even Zenit’s Domenico Criscito.

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