Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has admitted that he struggled to assess his side's performance in the 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland after Riccardo Montolivo's serious injury.
The AC Milan midfielder has been ruled out of the World Cup after it was confirmed that he had fractured his shin bone in the friendly at Craven Cottage.
With Alberto Aquilani also taken off just before half time, Prandelli believes that the injuries affected his side's performance in the disappointing goalless draw.
"Unfortunately this match was marred by these injuries," Prandelli told reporters after the game. "At the moment we are dazed, it isn't easy to absorb this blow.
"We were playing well enough at the start of the match, with a good numerical superiority. At the end of the first half it was difficult to talk about the match considering the injuries to Montolivo and Aquilani.
"We will evaluate the conditions of all, someone is a little fatigued, we will decide whether to bring one or more players."
Italy's first game at the World Cup is against England on June 14.
Sam Hughes
