Pirlo boost for Italy
Andrea Pirlo was back in training for struggling Italy
on Monday, a day after the World Cup holders were held to a
shocking 1-1 draw by lowly New Zealand.
The return of the AC Milan midfielder was just about the only
piece of good news for Italy in the wake of two less then
impressive draws.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi lectured the players for 20 minutes
before the start of training, with even injured goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon called out of the gym for the occasion.
Pirlo has been out since injuring his left calf in a
pre-tournament friendly with Mexico on June 3.
Italy also drew 1-1 in its opener with Paraguay and needs a win
in its final Group F match with Slovakia on Thursday to be sure of
advancing.
Lippi still wasn't sure Pirlo would play against Slovakia.
"He just touched a ball today for the first time in nearly 20
days," the coach said. "We'll see."
The Canadian Press