Rossi likely to miss Italy's friendly vs. Germany

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi has tonsillitis and is expected to miss the friendly against Germany in Milan on Friday.

Italy team physician Enric Castellacci says it's "unlikely" that Rossi will play but the medical staff is attempting to get him back for Monday's friendly against Nigeria in London.

After two years of right knee problems, Rossi has returned to form this season and is the top scorer in the Serie A with 11 goals in 12 matches for Fiorentina.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was hoping to start Rossi alongside Mario Balotelli in attack, but is likely to replace him with Pablo Osvaldo.

Italy's last match against Germany was a 2-1 win in the semifinals of last year's European Championship, when Balotelli scored twice.