Midfield stalwart Gennaro Gattuso will miss Italy's World Cup qualifier against Georgia at Udine on Wednesday after injuring his wrist in training.

The AC Milan player, who slipped and hurt his left wrist in a practice match, underwent surgery on Sunday and will be ruled out for around a month, said Enrico Castellacci, the team doctor with the world champions.

Meanwhile, defenders Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Gamberini, who were injured in the laboured 2-1 opening World Cup qualifying win in Cyprus on Saturday, will not be replaced, said Italian coach Marcello Lippi.

Grosso has fractured ribs while Gamberini suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Grosso would be out for about a month and Gamberini would not be back for at least two weeks.

"There is no point in replacing someone who is going to sit in the stands," said Lippi, explaining why he had not called up replacements.

Italy needed a last-minute goal to eke out their 2-1 victory against Cyprus in Larnaca on Saturday. Antonio Di Natale, with his second goal of the night, secured an undeserved three points in the Group Eight game.

AFP

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