Italy hit by Gattuso injury blow

Italy's World Cup build-up suffered a setback when injured midfield hardman Gennaro Gattuso, seen here in May 2006, was left facing two weeks on the sidelines.

Italy's World Cup build-up suffered a setback when injured midfield hardman Gennaro Gattuso was left facing two weeks on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old AC Milan player has a right leg injury and will miss Monday's opening clash with Ghana and could also miss the second Group E clash against the United States on June 17, team doctor Enrico Castellacci told the ANSA news agency.

Gianluca Zambrotta, the Juventus defender, has already been ruled out of the match with Ghana in Hanover on Monday while Alessandro Nesta is struggling to be fit.

"Gattuso could miss one or two matches," said Castellaci.

Italy's last group game is against the Czech Republic on June 22.

"I am disappointed to miss two matches but I am going to the World Cup even if I have to tie myself to the bus with a rope," said Gattuso.

Gattuso has played 41 times for the national team.

Striker Francesco Totti is also struggling to be fit after breaking his fibula.

"If it goes on like this I will be the fittest player in the team," said Totti on Wednesday.