FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Italy striker Fabrizio Ravanelli has arrived at the World Cup finals fearing for the health of his three-year-old son, Luca.

The boy was rushed to hospital after being hit by a mystery virus while the Olympique Marseille ace was in Sweden for Tuesday’s friendly. “He’s been suffering from diarrohea, vomitting and a high fever,” said Ravanelli.

“I knew he wasn’t well when I went to Gothenberg, but it was a complete surprise when I got back (on Wednesday morning) to find out that he had been taken to hospital.”

Ravanelli’s performance against the Swedes came in for some criticism, but the former Middlesbrough favourite said: “Finding out that your son is ill gives you back your sense of perspective on things. Let’s just say that certain judgements made about me are not at the centre of my thoughts at the moment,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.“I’ve got my portable phone permanently switched on and I’m waiting for news.”