Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has admitted that he has no chance of being fit enough to play in Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Ukraine.

The 30-year-old AC Milan star missed the 1-0 win over Australia with the groin problem he picked up in the group game against the Czech Republic and is still troubled by the injury.

He hopes to be fit enough to play in the semi-final, if the Azzurri beat Ukraine in Hamburg.

"I had another visit to the clinic at Duisburg and there is still a little problem but I have made a lot of improvement," said Nesta.

"I won't be ready for Friday's game but I am confident and the doctor is confident that I will be ready for the semi-final if there will be one for us."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has a defensive headache as Nesta's replacement for the Socceroos game, Marco Materazzi, is suspended after being sent off in the match.

Palermo defender Andrea Barzagli is expected to partner captain Fabio Cannavaro in the centre of defence.