Football
Associated Press 10y

Buffon and Barzagli still Italy doubts

RECIFE, Brazil -- Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and centre-back Andrea Barzagli remain doubts for Friday's World Cup clash against Costa Rica.

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Buffon twisted his left ankle and knee before the Azzurri's opening game against England and watched from the bench as Salvatore Sirigu filled in for him in the 2-1 win.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said of Buffon: ''[He] has had three great days of training but the ankle is still slightly swollen. If he feels good after today's training he'll play.''

Barzagli missed training on Wednesday due to a tendinitis problem that had bothered him all season with Juventus.

Prandelli said: ''Barzagli is better but we'll evaluate him tomorrow morning.''

If Barzagli cannot play, Leonardo Bonucci could take over in defence alongside Giorgio Chiellini.

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