Panucci insists he is fit to play

Jun 8 2008

ITALY have shrugged off a defensive sweat ahead of their showdown with Holland tomorrow afternoon with full-back Christian Panucci declaring himself fit.

Boss Roberto Donadoni was already reeling from the loss of Fabio Cannavaro to an ankle injury in their first training session. And on Friday Panucci, the man whose last-gasp goal sealed Scotland's fate at Hampden, hobbled off with tendon trouble.

However, round-the-clock treatment has eased the pain and yesterday the 35-year-old Roma star (right) said: "I aggravated an old injury but will be available to play.

"It is still a little swollen but I'll be fine by tomorrow."

Donadoni will leave it until the last moment before making a decision on his defence.