Udinese suffer Di Michele doubt

Udinese Calcio could begin their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign without Italian international David Di Michele after the striker suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly against Everton FC on Wednesday.

Sporting chance
The 29-year-old is likely to miss the third qualifying round first leg against Sporting Clube de Portugal on 9 August and is also doubtful for the return match a fortnight later. Di Michele will rest the ankle for a few days and undergo further tests next week to reveal the extent of the injury.

Pinzi doubt
Di Michele scored 15 goals for Udinese last season, earning the side fourth and himself an international debut against Iceland in March, the first of three caps for the Azzurri. The Serie A side could also be without midfield player Giampiero Pinzi due to a knee injury.