Italy continued to assess their defensive options yesterday following Fabio Cannavaro's injury but new call-up Alessandro Gamberini does not expect to play immediately in Euro 2008.
Gamberini was brought into the 23-man squad after fellow centre back Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament when he tore ankle ligaments in their first training session at their base south of Vienna on Monday.
"At this moment, I don't think so," the 26-year-old told reporters when asked if he thought he would play in Group C matches against the Netherlands, Romania and France later this month.
With the name of Cannavaro's central defensive partner unclear before the tournament, two spots are now up for grabs in the backline.
Coach Roberto Donadoni has given no real hints of his plans in news conferences or in training.
Marco Materazzi played alongside captain Cannavaro during their World Cup triumph two years ago but Andrea Barzagli has been a regular at centre-back in recent months.
Right-back Christian Panucci could move across to the middle while Giorgio Chiellini, the player whose tackle injured Cannavaro, is another possibility. Gamberini looks to be the final option.
"I'm coming here with a lot of enthusiasm, it's my first major tournament.
"I'll try to give my utmost in training. Just being part of the group is an enormous honour for me," he said.
"But I'm sorry for Fabio."
Cannavaro had a successful operation on his ankle in Vienna earlier and will stay with the squad to cheer them on. He should return to action in around three months.
"The surgery lasted little more than half an hour and was perfectly successful," the Italian soccer federation said in a statement after the Real Madrid player went under the knife at a clinic in Vienna.
Italy team doctor Andrea Ferretti told reporters: "Three months is a reasonable prediction."
The federation said UEFA had given the 34-year-old a special accreditation for the finals and he is now hoping to be allowed to sit on the bench during games.
The world champions start their campaign against Netherlands in Berne on Monday before facing Romania and France in a tough Group C.