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Rossi a doubt for Italy v Germany friendly

MILAN, Nov 13, 2013 (AFP) - On-form Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi is doubtful for Italy's friendly against Germany on Friday as he recovers from flu-like symptoms, according to Italy team doctors.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said on Tuesday he wanted to see Rossi, who leads Italy's scoring charts with 11 goals in 12 games, line up alongside AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli for the San Siro clash.

However Italy's chief doctor Enrico Castellatti hinted on Wednesday that Prandelli may have to shelve those expectations as Rossi, who is under antibiotics, had "little time" in which to recover.

"Giuseppe doesn't have a fever anymore but he still has a throat infection which is taking its toll on him," said Castellatti.

"He's under antibiotics, and we should be able to guage in the coming hours whether he is improving or not. We'll evaluate him later. He's doing okay, but in terms of (recovering in time for) Friday's game there is not much time."

Italy qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with two games to spare in Group B and on Tuesday Prandelli said naming his "definitive" squad for next summer's showpiece was a long way off.

"Right now, I don't have a definitive list of 23 player, I have 35 names in my head," said the Italy coach.

Prandelli's wish to test the Rossi-Balotelli partnership may have to wait until Monday when the Azzurri face Nigeria in their second friendly of the week at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground.

However Rossi appears to have made a lasting impression on Prandelli on what is the Fiorentina striker's comeback season following a lengthy injury lay-off which began at his former club, Villarreal.

Prandelli contrasted Rossi's purple patch with 'La Viola' with that of Balotelli, who has been subject to criticism at struggling AC Milan since returning from injury and a three-match ban several weeks ago.

"Rossi has great human qualities and a great character, that have only got stronger since his injury," Prandelli added.

"He can play as the first or second striker, he's not just a goalscorer, he also knows how to make the team play better.

"As for Mario, he's going through a tough period at the moment, but if he has character, he will emerge stronger."

jd/nr

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