Giuseppe Rossi dismisses speculation that fitness problems saw him dropped from Italy squad

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.