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Other News |
Maldini
injured: uncertain in Italian side |
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June 27, 2000
GEEL,
Belgium (AP) - Injured Italian captain Paolo Maldini will not
be able to resume training until Wednesday, making his inclusion in the
semifinal match against the Netherlands one day later uncertain. The defensive mainstay of the Azzurris suffered a left thigh strain and was substituted before the start of the second half of Italy's 2-0 quarterfinal win over Romania on Saturday. "The strain is there. The plan has been for two more days of rest. Then he should be able to practice," said Italy's team doctor Andrea Serritti. Maldini, who has suffered other minor leg injuries in recent weeks, had the thigh wrapped until Monday.
"I feel better," Maldini said Monday. Still, three days of forced rest might make him rusty before facing co-host the Netherlands on Thursday in Amsterdam's ArenA.
Saturday's bruising match against Romania has already claimed another victim. Antonio Conte, the captain of Turin powerhouse Juventus, is definitely out for the remainder of Euro 2000.
Conte, a midfielder, suffered severely torn right ankle ligaments after a lunge by Romania's Gheorghe Hagi.
However, Luigi Di Biagio, a gritty midfielder and starter on the 1998 World Cup squad, is well on the mend and will be able, if needed, to fill in for Conte against the Netherlands.
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