Gatusso, Zambrotta & Nesta to miss Ghana opener?

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) -Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup opener, adding to the team's already significant injury problems. A medical exam Wednesday revealed a tear in Gattuso's right quadriceps.

Right back Gianluca Zambrotta will miss Monday's opener against Ghana with a left-thigh injury and central defender Alessandro Nesta is questionable with a right-thigh problem. Playmaker Francesco Totti is still regaining his form from left-leg surgery.

Gattuso is a key member of the Azzurri midfield. Like at AC Milan, he provides a tough, physical presence and covers more ground than nearly any other player on the team.

AS Roma's Simone Perrotta is a possible replacement.

Zambrotta & Nesta ruled out

Defender Gianluca Zambrotta has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup opener against Ghana because of a left thigh injury, the Italian team doctor told the Ansa news agency.

Another defender Alessandro Nesta is also uncertain because of muscular problems with a decision on his fitness being taken on Saturday.

Italy begin their assault on a fourth World Cup victory on June 12 against Ghana before further Group E matches against Czech Republic and USA.