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Big blow for Italy heading into Euro 2008

Written by: Brainiac

Euro 2008 kicks off Saturday, and Italy already has suffered a major loss: Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss the European Championship after tearing ligaments in his left ankle during the Azzurri's first training session this week.

Cannavaro tore ankle ligaments in contesting a ball with a teammate on the training ground in Austria.

"Cannavaro must say goodbye to the European Championship before it has begun," stated the Italian soccer federation.

The World Cup champions replaced Cannavaro with Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely will captain the team.

"I was ready for a call when it came but I was hoping that it wouldn't come because that call meant that Cannavaro had injured himself and I felt particularly sorry for Fabio," Gamberini said.

"At first they just called to warn me that he'd hurt himself and that they would evaluate the extent of the injury to Fabio and then they organized my journey here."

Italy opens the tournament Monday against the Netherlands.

Cannavaro was instrumental in Italy's run to the World Cup title two years ago, earning the Golden Ball award as top player.

The defender had a successful operation in Vienna on Wednesday. He chose to have the surgery in Vienna so he could remain with Italy's squad for the duration of the competition.

"The surgery lasted little more than half an hour and was perfectly successful," the Italian federation said.

Cannavaro, who is expected to be out of action for two months, disagrees with those who say that the Italy defense will struggle without him.

"We have players with great experience, such as Marco Materazzi, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Gamberini,” he explained. “I do not think I have to give out any great advice."

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