Pirlo fit to face Spain despite sitting out Italy training session

Andrea Pirlo caused a stir by sitting out training on Wednesday, but any fears were quickly dashed as the Italy midfielder has been passed fit to face Spain in Gdansk on Sunday.

The Juventus playmaker appeared briefly just before the session in Krakow but returned to the dressing room without lacing up after a brief chat with the Azzurri's coaching staff.

Pirlo picked up a minor knock earlier this week that he has yet to fully recover from and it was decided that there was no sense in running the risk of aggravating the injury.

Meanwhile, Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio eased concerns over his participation in Italy's Euro 2012 opener against the defending champions by returning to training after his recent thigh problem.

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli was again left kicking his heels on the sidelines as he prepares for the final medical exams on his calf strain which will determine whether he will be able to play any part in his country's campaign.

The Azzurri's hugely-anticipated Group C curtain raiser with Spain is scheduled to kick off at 17.00GMT.