Mauro Camranesi has given Italy a timely boost by returning to training following a knee injury.

The Juventus midfielder has not trained since before the Azzuri’s final World Cup squad was confirmed and there were doubts over his participation in the finals.

 

It’s still uncertain whether he’ll be able to play against Paraguay in their opening game and like AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, may have to wait for his chance later on in the group stages.

Slovakia and New Zealand provide the rest of the opposition in Italy’s group, and while they are nigh-on certainties to progress past the first round, few are expecting the holders to progress much further in the competition.

With not one Italian in the all-conquering Inter Milan side to choose from, Lippi has had to put his faith in the old guard, including veteran Fabio Cannavaro, who will lead the Italians in his last major tournament before retiring from the international scene.

Should Italy win their group as expected, they could face a quarter-final with Spain, who knocked them out at the same stage of Euro 2008.