Melania Gabbiadini won't play U.S.
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- Italy's key striker has a twisted ankle and will miss Saturday's Women's World Cup qualifier against the United States.
Melania Gabbiadini has 22 goals in 71 appearances for Italy, including six during European qualifying. After missing her team's 1-0 loss in the first game of the home-and-home playoff, she returned to training this week.
But Italy coach Pietro Ghedin said Friday she isn't ready and that poses a "big problem" for his team.
The U.S. needs a win or a draw Saturday to advance to next summer's World Cup, a tournament it has won twice.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
MORE SPORTS HEADLINES
- Klinsmann settles U.S. roster for Cup qualifiers
- Dempsey should leave Fulham, Klinsmann says
- Barcelona wins Copa in Guardiola's final match
- FIFA task force chief: Shootouts should remain
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
MORE FROM THE WEB
Connect with Facebook to share your ESPN activities. Learn more »
Learn more- Social Sharing ON ▼
- ON OFF ▼
- Remind me every time I add an event to my Activity
- My Activity ▼
- Recently shared to your timeline:
Share ESPN with your friends
Your friend shared this story on Facebook. Share ESPN with your friends to see everything they're reading and watching, and then share the latest news about the sports and teams you care about most!
