Pirlo doubt for Italy

(GSM) – Italian midfield talisman Andrea Pirlo picked up an injury against Mexico and his status for the World Cup is now in serious doubt.

The 31-year-old AC Milan man suffered a calf strain in Italy’s uninspiring 2-1 loss to Mexico on Wednesday, and team officials say they are yet unsure if Pirlo will make the trip to South Africa, though he could travel and yet be ruled out of action.

It will be a race against time for Pirlo as Italy open World Cup play in Group F on 14 June against Paraguay. The other games for the Azzurri are on 20 June against New Zealand and 24 June against Slovakia.

Pirlo may only miss some of the games if he recovers in time.

If Pirlo were to miss, it would be a big blow to the Azzurri. Pirlo has scored many a crucial goal in his international career and has eight in 65 all-time appearances for his country.