MILAN – Giuseppe Rossi has dismissed speculation he was omitted from Italy's World Cup squad because of concerns about his fitness.
Rossi only recently returned from a four-month layoff following his latest right knee injury but was included in Italy coach Cesare Prandelli's provisional 30-man squad.
However, the United States-born forward was one of six players cut — along with injured midfielder Riccardo Montolivo — from the final 23-man list on Sunday.
On Monday, Rossi said on Twitter, "Everyone says out of shape: ask anyone the results from the tests during the week and the game. You will be shocked."
The 27-year-old Rossi has struggled with a number of serious injuries in his career and missed three straight major international tournaments.