Italy defender Alessandro Nesta is facing a race against
time to be fit for the World Cup final on Sunday.The Milan stopper, 30, came off after just 17 minutes of the 2-0 Group E victory
over Czech Republic on June 22, and has not featured for his country since.
Internazionale defender Marco Materazzi has stepped into the breach
in his absence, and has performed admirably alongside Fabio Cannavaro at the
heart of Italy's defence.
Coach Marcello Lippi's side have only conceded one goal all
tournament, and that was an own goal in their clash with the USA in game two.
But Lippi would rather have the selection headache that a fully-fit Nesta
would bring than be without the cultured centre back, widely regarded as one
of the best in the world.
The Azzurri medical staff have therefore been working hard to help Nesta
recover from his groin injury, but will not risk the player unnecessarily.
Italy have beaten Australia, Ukraine and Germany without him
so far, but would dearly love him to return for the final, to face France or Portugal.
Football Italia