体坛英语新闻：Pirlo set to return for Italy-Spain duel

FORTALEZA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is set to return to Italy's lineup for Thursday's Confederations Cup semifinal against Spain.

Pirlo, who missed the Azzurri's 4-2 defeat to Brazil on Saturday with a calf injury, trained freely with the rest of the squad here on Tuesday.

The news was not so positive for Milan right-back Ignazio Abate, who was sent back to Italy with a shoulder injury, joining Mario Balotelli, who has also departed with a thigh problem.

Abate is expected to be replaced in Cesare Prandell's starting lineup by Napoli's Christian Maggio while Bologna forward Alberto Gilardino is tipped to take Balotelli's place.

Azzurri midfielder Claudio Marchisio said Pirlo was eager to prove his fitness for the repeat of the Euro 2012 final at the Castelao stadium.

"Andrea is a great professional," Marchisio said. "He is back working hard in training and wants start in the semifinal. It's now up to the coach decide if that will happened."