A few weeks ago, Italian playmaker Francesco Totti was already worried about being fit for the World Cup, saying, "I keep getting kicked and have to receive physiotherapy constantly. I don't have time to train because we play every three days. I'm very worried that this is going to affect the lead-up to the World Cup."
Empoli defender Richard Vanigli apparently had no sympathy for Italy's top player. On Sunday, he fouled the Roma captain from behind and inflicted a serious injury on Totti's ankle.
Totti, 29, underwent a three-hour surgery to repair a fractured Fibula and ankle ligaments.
Italy is the USA's second opponent (June 17) at next summer's World Cup. Italy's pre-World Cup training camp begins May 22.
After Totti's 12th minute injury, Roma managed a 1-0 win to equal a Serie A record 10-game win streak, also accomplished by Juventus (1931-32), AC Milan (1950-51) and Bologna (1963-64)