Italians block Canberran

Canberra's Carl Valeri has missed out on an opportunity to stake his place in the Socceroos starting eleven against Ghana on Friday as his Italian club Grosseto, where Valeri is the Captain, has blocked his attendance.

Socceroos Coach Pim Verbeek had reached an agreement with Valeri's Coach on his recent European tour, but noted Italian owners often get involved. He was right!

Friday's game is not an official FIFA date so clubs can refuse to let their players leave.

Valeri will arrive in Brisbane next Tuesday in time for the crucial World Cup Iraq game.

And Valeri may have the last laugh; he may well be on the move this summer from Grosseto. So take that Mr Italian Football Club owner!