Alessandro Nesta rules himself out of quarter-finals

DUISBURG, Germany, June 28: Italy defender Alessandro Nesta ruled himself out of Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Ukraine but said he hopes to be fit for the semi-final, should the Azzurri make it.

Nesta missed the second round win over Australia due to a groin injury he picked up during the final group game against Czech Republic.

''I had another visit to the clinic at Duisburg and there is still a little problem but I have made a lot of improvement,'' Nesta told reporters on Wednesday.

''I won't be ready for Friday's game but I am confident and the doctor is confident that I will be ready for the semi-final if there will be one for us,'' said the central defender.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has limited options in defence given that Nesta's replacement Marco Materazzi will miss the quarter-final due to suspension following his red card against Australia.

Palermo defender Andrea Barzagli, who came on as a substitute against Australia, will almost certainly partner captain Fabio Cannavaro in the centre of defence.

Lippi has no other recognised central defender in his squad.

REUTERS

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