Cossu leaves Italy squad

The midfielder was brought to South Africa as a precaution in case Andrea Pirlo's calf problem became so serious that he needed to be replaced in the squad.

However, with the deadline approaching for Italy to make a squad change before their first match, a spokeswoman said Cossu had been allowed to leave given doctors hope Pirlo can be fit for the third group game against Slovakia on June 24.

Fellow midfielders Daniele De Rossi, Mauro Camoranesi and Claudio Marchisio are also all fit following minor knocks.