Barzagli to stay with Italy despite injury

KRAKOW, Poland (AP) -Defender Andrea Barzagli will stay in Italy's European Championship squad despite a calf injury, in the hope he can return for the third group match against Ireland.

Team doctor Enrico Castellacci says that medical tests Friday showed the injury is healing, although Barzagli is still ruled out for the opening two matches in Group C with defending and world champion Spain on Sunday and Croatia on Thursday.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli called up Cagliari defender Davide Astori as a possible replacement before Sunday's game with Spain.

Teams have up to 24 hours before their opening matches to replace injured players.