Italy's striker out for World Cup qualifier vs. US

Published Nov. 26, 2010 3:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Italy's key striker has a twisted ankle and will miss Saturday's Women's World Cup qualifier against the United States.

Melania Gabbiadini has 22 goals in 71 appearances for Italy, including six during European qualifying. After missing her team's 1-0 loss in the first game of the home-and-home playoff, she returned to training this week.

But Italy coach Pietro Ghedin said Friday she isn't ready and that poses a ''big problem'' for his team.

The U.S. needs a win or a draw Saturday to advance to next summer's World Cup, a tournament it has won twice.