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Cannavaro out of Euros after training injury

02/06/2008

An accidental injury picked up on the training ground has ruled Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro out of Euro 2008, it has been reported.

Coming just days before the tournament is due to kick off in Austria and Switzerland, the defender is believed to have been involved in a collision with team-mate Giorgio Chiellini at the national side's training ground.

While medical staff at first believed that the skipper's injury was not serious, scans carried out at a nearby hospital confirmed the extent of the ankle ligament damage sustained and mean that the player will join millions of fellow Italians in being involved in the competition merely as an interested observer.

The news leaves coach Roberto Donadoni with a selection headache ahead of his side's tough opening game against Holland next Monday.

Daniele Bonera and Alessandro Gamberini have both been cited as likely candidates to take Cannavaro's place in the Italian squad and, despite the defender's huge influence both on and off the pitch, the Azzurri are likely to remain among the favourites to win the tournament.

The reigning world champions will also face Romania and France in Group C.