Injured De Rossi, Chiellini, Abate making progress for Italy

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) -- Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi and defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Ignazio Abate are undergoing treatment for injuries and hoping to return for Thursday's European Championship semifinal with Germany.

"All three are making progress and we will do everything possible, right down to the last minute, to make them available," team doctor Enrico Castellacci said Tuesday.

De Rossi has a problem with his sciatic nerve that is affecting his left foot, and left Sunday's penalty shootout win over England in the 80th minute.

Abate has a muscle problem in his left leg, and Chiellini has a left hamstring problem.

Abate's replacement Christian Maggio picked up a yellow card, which rules him out of Thursday's match in Warsaw.

Italy required extra time and the shootout to beat England in the quarterfinals on Sunday and has two days' fewer rest than Germany entering the semifinals.

"There is a general state of fatigue in the squad," Castellacci said. "That's to be expected after the stress and emotion of the last few matches. We're doing everything possible to recuperate our energy."

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