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With Verratti’s return, Italy at full strength

MANGARATIBA, Brazil (AP) — Midfielder Marco Verratti is back training with Italy at the World Cup after missing a few days due to a fever.

Considered a possible starter against England on Saturday, Verratti trained regularly with the Azzurri on Wednesday.

With goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu having already returned from a bruised rib, it means that all 25 Italy players in the camp are healthy again.

Fourth goalkeeper Antonio Mirante and extra defender Andrea Ranocchia will remain with the Azzurri until at least a day before the England game in case of injury.

Teams have until 24 hours before their opening match to replace injured players in their 23-man squads.

Verratti has been a regular with French champion Paris Saint-Germain the past two seasons but at 21, he still hasn’t proved himself with the national team.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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