Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is on course to recover from a thigh problem in time to play in Saturday's Group E clash against the USA in Kaiserslautern.

The injury forced the AC Milan star to sit out the Azzurri's opening World Cup match against Ghana, but he was able to participate in a training game on Wednesday.

Team doctor Enrico Castellacci said: "Gattuso had some further exams, and his situation will continue to be monitored.

"He will work 50 per cent with the rest of the group and the other 50 per cent will be personalised, but we are optimistic."

Should Gattuso be passed fit, Italy coach Marcello Lippi will have his full squad available for selection after Gianluca Zambrotta recovered from the thigh injury that prevented him facing Ghana and Francesco Totti shook off the ankle knock he suffered during the 2-0 win against the Black Stars.