Daniele De Rossi has shaken off his ankle injury and took part in today’s game between ranks as Italy prepare to face Bulgaria on Friday.
The Roma midfielder limped off during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Inter and had been considered a major doubt for the first of the two World Cup qualifiers.
However, De Rossi took part in a full training session today and was fielded in the starting XI for a game between ranks.
Daniele De Rossi has shaken off his ankle injury and took part in today’s game between ranks as Italy prepare to face Bulgaria on Friday.
The Roma midfielder limped off during Sunday’s 3-1 win at Inter and had been considered a major doubt for the first of the two World Cup qualifiers.
However, De Rossi took part in a full training session today and was fielded in the starting XI for a game between ranks.
Giampaolo Pazzini and Angelo Ogbonna also worked with their teammates despite knee problems.
The test again suggested Cesare Prandelli will use a 3-5-2 system with De Rossi joined by Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Cristian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini.
Sebastian Giovinco partnered Pablo Daniel Osvaldo in attack, while Ogbonna stepped into the defence with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.
Italy take on Bulgaria in Sofia on Friday evening, then welcome Malta to the Stadio Braglia in Modena on Tuesday.
Italy probable against Bulgaria: Buffon; Ogbonna, Barzagli, Bonucci; Maggio, Pirlo, Nocerino, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Giovinco, Osvaldo