Giorgio Chiellini could be fit to take part in Italy's semi-final with Germany on Thursday despite suffering a thigh strain only a week ago.

The versatile defender picked up the first degree strain in his left thigh during Italy's final Euro 2012 group game against the Republic of Ireland last Monday.

Chiellini was named on the substitutes bench for Sunday night's quarter-final victory over England but was not thought to be fit enough to take part.

There was serious doubt over any further involvement in the tournament given that the final is on Sunday, and this type of injury normally has a recovery period of 20 days.

However, the Juventus favourite has returned to training and has taken part in running and ball-work exercises this morning with Italy's other players who did not play last night.

Italy face Germany in the second semi-final of the competition this coming Thursday night at the National Stadium in Warsaw. The final will be held next Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.