Buffon boost for Azzurri

Mangaratiba - Gianluigi Buffon was back in World Cup training on Tuesday but Italy would not say whether or not he will be fit to face Costa Rica on Friday.

The 36-year-old Juventus shot-stopper seemed to be training normally, diving on the ball, but Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli may yet decide to hold him back until the final Group D clash with Uruguay on June 24, to give the 2006 World Cup winner more time to fully recover.

Buffon had to pull out of Saturday's 2-1 win over England due to an ankle sprain, with Paris Saint-Germain's Salvatore Sirigu filling the void between the sticks.

Centre-back Andrea Barzagli and midfielder Daniele De Rossi, both of whom sat out Monday's training, were back in action on Tuesday.

Fullback Mattia De Sciglio, who was ruled out of the England match due to a muscle problem, also trained Tuesday.