Barzagli nearing full fitness

Italy are confident injured Andrea Barzagli will recover in time to feature against the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012 on Monday night.

The Juventus defender has been sidelined since June 1 with a calf injury.

Doctors expected Barzagli to miss the group stages of the European Championship, but the 31-year-old is set to recover sooner than expected.

"Andrea is doing well and we are satisfied with his condition," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci said to the Italian FA's website.

"He will not be ready for Thursday's game (against Croatia) but we already knew that.

"Our aim is to have him fit in order to be available for selection for the (final Group C) game against Ireland.

"We hope we can do that as things are going better than planned."