Italy rule Conte out of Euro 2000

Italy have ruled midfielder Antonio Conte out of their remaining Euro 2000 campaign after a horror tackle from Gheorghe Hagi in last night's quarter final.

The veteran Romanian star went to see the Juventus player after Italy's 2-0 win in Brussels to apologise after he stamped down on the player's ankle in an ugly challenge that brought him a booking. Five minutes later Hagi was red carded for diving in a sad end to his international career.

The stamp ruptured anterior ligaments in Conte's right ankle and he is now doubtful for the start of the Champions League campaign in August for Juventus.

Italy captain Paolo Maldini is also doubtful for the semi final on Thursday and will a magnetic resonance test tomorrow on thigh muscle damage that saw him substituted at half time last night. Gianluca Pessotto could now keep his place in the Italian team if Maldini does not recover in time.