Cagliari midfielder Andrea Cossu has been released from Italy's World Cup squad.

Cossu was cut from the final list of 23, but brought along as an alternate when both Juventus midfielder Mauro Camoranesi and AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo suffered injuries.

Camoranesi had a knee problem and is now back in full training, so he could even start Monday's game with Paraguay.

Pirlo is improving after his calf strain and is expected to miss the first two group matches.