With Alessandro Nesta retired from international play, Italy's other top central defenders are Marco Materazzi, Andrea Barzagli and Chiellini. Right back Christian Panucci also has experience in the middle.

Italy's Fabio Cannavaro reacts after he was injured during a training session at the Suedstadt stadium in Maria Enzersdorf June 2, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

According to UEFA rules, teams can replace injured players until one day before their first match. Italy has a long list of defenders and goalkeepers getting injured at big tournaments.

Defender Franco Baresi hurt his meniscus at the 1994 World Cup and came back to play in the final lost on penalties to Brazil. Defender Ciro Ferrara was hurt in Italy's final friendly before the 1996 European Championship, and was replaced by Nesta.

Goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi missed the 1998 World Cup after getting injured in one of Italy's final training sessions before departing for France. Buffon sat out Euro 2000 after injuring his hand in a pre-tournament friendly, and was replaced by Francesco Toldo.

The Azzurri were also dealt a defensive blow at the 2006 World Cup, when Nesta missed the final four games with an injury. Materazzi and Barzagli proved able replacements, but losing Cannavaro could be even a bigger blow, considering his skills and leadership qualities.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 3, 2008)