Gennaro Gattuso could miss Italy's first two games of the World Cup finals in Germany with a thigh injury
The midfielder, who had already been ruled out of the opening match against Ghana, is likely to miss the clash against the United States on 17 June.
Gattuso said: "I'm disappointed, missing two games is a lot for me. I'm not superstitious but I think someone has put a curse on me.
"I'm going to the World Cup even if I have to tie myself to the team bus."
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has already decided that he will not replace Gattuso in the squad.
He said: "I will replace him only on the field not in the squad. Gattuso stays with us and I hope he will recover as soon as possible."
The Azzurri have already lost full-back Gianluca Zambrotta (thigh) for the 12 June game against Ghana while defender Alessandro Nesta is another major doubt.
Striker Francesco Totti is also battling to be fit after three months out with an ankle injury.
Italy received a welcome World Cup boost with the news that defenders Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessandro Nesta were both recovering well from their injuries.
Italy received a welcome World Cup boost with the news that defenders Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessandro Nesta were both recovering well from their injuries.
Italy's medics have ruled Zambrotta out of the team's opening match against Ghana in Hannover on June 12, but the versatile Juventus full-back said he could be fit in time to face the United States five days later.
"I'm happy," said the 29-year-old, who can play on the left or right-hand side of defence, and is also comfortable in a midfield role.
"Most probably I'll be ready for the United States."
Italy coach Marcello Lippi was worried Zambrotta may miss out altogether and put reserve Daniele Bonera of Parma on stand-by.
AC Milan central defender Nesta is still suffering from a muscular problem which he picked up in the 0-0 friendly draw against the Ukraine last Friday, but said he was hopeful of starting against the Ghanaians.
Asked if he would ready for the opening match, Nesta replied: "I hope so."
Both Zambrotta and Nesta will undergo scans in Germany on Saturday. If the results are negative, Lippi will still have enough time to make a squad change before the FIFA deadline.
Italy fly out to Germany on Wednesday and will be based in the western city of Duisburg, situated in the heart of the industrial Ruhr area.
They will use the facilities of MSV Duisburg, who were relegated from the Bundesliga this season.
Italy's final Group E match is against the Czech Republic on June 22.
Lippi will have his work cut out trying to keep his players focussed on the World Cup with the various investigations into match-fixing in Serie A still continuing.
The Italian national football team is the national football team of Italy and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC - Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio).
Italy is considered one of the most successful national teams, having won three World Cups and one European championship.
The traditional jersey colour of the national team (as well as of all Italian teams and athletes, but in motor sports) is sky blue (azzurro, in Italian), and therefore national team members are nicknamed Azzurri.
