Motta doubtful for England game

Motta doubtful for England game

Published Jun. 22, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Italy midfielder Thiago Motta has emerged as an injury doubt for Sunday's European Championship quarter-final against England.

Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed Motta had suffered a hamstring strain and, although he was able to train, it was not certain he would be fit to start at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.

Castellacci said: "Motta is training with other players and we will assess
him."

Brazil-born Motta started all three of the Azzurri's group games as their most advanced midfielder.

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Italy have already lost their most experienced defender, Giorgio Chiellini, to injury for the England match.

He is battling to be available should Italy reach the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Mario Balotelli was expected to be fit to face England despite suffering a slight back problem in training.

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