Nesta out of Germany clash

DUISBURG: Italy's central defender Alessandro Nesta was ruled out of the World Cup semi-final with Germany on Monday.

The 30-year-old centre-back has missed Italy's last two matches with a groin strain picked-up during the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the group stage.

Palermo's Andrea Barzagli replaced Nesta in the 3-0 quarter-final win against Ukraine, but that was due to Marco Materazzi's one-match suspension.

Having served his ban, Materazzi - who scored in the win over the Czech Republic before being sent-off against Australia - will return to the heart of the Italy defence to play alongside captain Fabio Cannavaro when they face the host nation in Dortmund on Tuesday.