Astori to join Italy squad ahead of Euro 2012

Europe : Cagliari defender Davide Astori will join the Italy squad on Wednesday afternoon, with doubts lingering over the fitness of Andrea Barzagli.

Coach Cesare Prandelli has singled out the 25-year-old as the Juventus defender`s replacement should he be forced to withdraw from the Azzurri`s Euro 2012 roster. The 31-year-old`s availability for the tournament has been put into question after sustaining a calf problem which could rule him out of action for up to three weeks. Prandelli had earlier stated that he will wait as long as possible before eventually replacing the Old Lady stopper. “We will wait until the last minute to see if Barzagli can make the squad," Prandelli told reporters on Tuesday. However, the Italy boss is not taking any risks and has already called up Astori to join his compatriots in their Krakow base camp this Wednesday. Prandelli is expected to make a final decision on Barzagli`s inclusion on either Thursday or Friday, with their tournament opener against Spain on Sunday looming. Goal.com