Italy defender Alessandro Nesta is a major doubt for his team's World Cup semi final game against Germany on Tuesday in Dortmund, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Sunday. The Milan man was forced off the pitch in Italy's first round 2-0 win over Czech Republic with a thigh injury and since then has not been fit to feature in the last 16 or quarter-final rounds. "The chances of seeing him play are remote," FIGC spokesman Antonello Valentini was quoted as saying by Football Italia magazine on. Marco Materazzi, who replaced Nesta before being sent off against Australia is expected to partner Fabio Cannavaro in central defense after serving his one match ban. Nevertheless, coach Marcello Lippi may opt to stick with Andrea Barzagli who did well in the 3-0 win over Ukraine. Italy are in their first World Cup semi-final in 12 years, and apart from Nesta, Lippi will have a full squad to chose from when they face hosts Germany on Tuesday.