Fabio Cannavaro to Return

(AP) - PERUGIA, Italy - Fabio Cannavaro flew to Italy on Sunday to undergo a medical test ahead of his proposed return to Juventus, the ANSA news agency reported. The Real Madrid defender and Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, who is recovering from a broken foot, will visit medical consultant Vincenzo Cerulli. The 25-year-old Cannavaro is a free agent at the end of the season and Madrid has not offered him a new deal. Juventus fans have protested at the return of a player who left when the club was relegated to Serie B.

Captain Boost for Donadoni

Italy have received the late boost that Fabio Cannavaro will be able to give a captain's contribution from the dug-out.

The Azzurri skipper, who is already on the road to recovery following last Wednesday's ankle operation, has been given the go-ahead by UEFA to participate in Euro 2008 from the bench.

Meanwhile, Marco Materazzi appears to have done enough in training to convince Roberto Donadoni of a starting slot in place of the Real Madrid player.

The Italy coach appeared relaxed in the final press conference before the match against the Netherlands but refused to shed further light on the World Champions' line-up.

However, Gianluigi Buffon in goal should be protected by a four man defence made up of Christian Panucci, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Materazzi and Gianluca Zambrotta.

In midfield, AC Milan pair Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo will more than likely be supported in the centre by AS Roma's Daniele De Rossi with Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Di Natale out wide.

The Udinese striker, who scored two goals in Italy's defeat of Belgium in the last warm-up match has apparently fended off the challenge of Serie A top scorer Alessandro Del Piero to provide the service for frontman Luca Toni.

Source: SerieA.Tv (www.seriea.tv)