Italy see Maldini and Negro pull out of national squad

Italy captain Paolo Maldini has pulled out of the squad to face Sweden in Palermo tomorrow night.

Maldini was injured in a 2-1 win for champions Milan against SS Lazio when he twisted his left knee and did not meet the squad at their Coverciano training base outside Florence. The left back faces at least ten days out of action with a swollen joint.

Lazio defender Paolo Negro was also injured in the Serie A clash and has been sent home to undergo tests on a thigh injury.

National team coach Dino Zoff has called Juventus central defender Mark Iuliano into the squad as cover for Negro. and may turn to a new left back selection now that veteran star Maldini has been ruled out.