Chiesa injury rocks Fiorentina's season

Fiorentina striker Enrico Chiesa will miss his recall to the Italy squad after a knee injury put him out of action for at least six months.

Chiesa - who turned down a move to SS Lazio last week to stay at the Florence club - has been replaced in the Italy squad by AS Roma striker Vincenzo Montella.

The Italian transfer season ended for now on Friday and Fiorentina will badly miss Chiesa's goals.

Italy need to get at least a draw at Parma to Hungary to book their place for the 2002 World Cup finals.

Fiorentina beat Vicenza 3-1 this afternoon but Chiesa went to ground holding his left knee after an attempted shot ended with him hitting ear.

He was stretchered off and substituted after giving his side a 1-0 lead with his fifth goal of the season.

Fiorentina coach Roberto Mancini, speaking to RAI TV after the match, said the injury was a serious knee ligament problem.

"I don't know the exact nature of the injury but I think it is rather serious," said Mancini.

"His season must be considered over. His health is the most important thing of course but this is a very hard blow for us."

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni says Perugia veteran Roberto Baggio is a possible choice for his World Cup final 22 next May.