Italy's De Rossi ruled out of Uruguay clash

Daniele De Rossi of Italy during a training session at Coverciano in Florence, Italy.

Sao Paulo, June 22 (IANS/EFE): Italian veteran midfielder Daniele de Rossi has been ruled out of Tuesday's crucial match against Uruguay in the third round match of Group E due to a muscle injury.

De Rossi's ability to play in the next match, which will be a do-or-die match for both Italy and Uruguay, is very slim, team doctor Enrico Castellacci said.

The 30-year-old player suffered a muscle injury in his right leg during Italy's surprising 0-1 loss to Costa Rica Friday.