Pablo Osvaldo suffers allergy attack

Southampton striker Pablo Osvaldo was forced to leave the field early during Italy's friendly against Germany tonight, after suffering an allergic reaction early in the second half.

Osvaldo was replaced by Antonio Candreva on 52 minutes when significant swelling began to appear around his eye, requiring an immediate course of injections.

Azzurri medical chief Enrico Castellacci has revealed that Osvaldo has experienced something similar in the past and was treated quickly after complaining of feeling unwell on the touchline.

Castellacci was quoted by Football Italia as saying: "Going off the field, Osvaldo had a pretty strong allergic reaction, so he needed an anti-histamine injection.

"He started to feel ill as soon as he got to the bench, then got worse until it became a pretty serious condition. We sent him into the locker room for treatment. Now his condition has stabilised and there's nothing to worry about.

"He told me he had a couple of previous incidents in the past, so we advised him to carry cortisone in his pocket at all times and to have tests when he gets back to England."

Cesare Prandelli's men managed to claim a 1-1 draw against Germany despite changing shape following Osvaldo's withdrawal, with Ignazio Abate's equaliser enough to ensure a share of the spoils.