THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
POZNAN, Poland — Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has started training again, and is hoping to return from an injury to his left calf if the country advances from its group at the European Championship.
Barzagli has written on Twitter that "I’m back training. Like I’ve already said, I’ll play the quarters, the semis and the final. Come on, we’re going to win Euro 2012."
Barzagli was injured in a pre-tournament friendly loss to Russia.
Coach Cesare Prandelli brought in Cagliari defender Davide Astori as a possible substitute before the opening match with Spain, then released him after medical exams showed Barzagli had a chance of returning for the third group game against Ireland.
In Barzagli’s absence, midfielder Daniele De Rossi has been anchoring Italy’s defence.