Special: FIFA WORLD CUP GERMANY 2006>>>

Italian doctors may allow hospitalized ex-Juventus defender Gianluca Pessotto to watch Italy on TV in the World Cup final on Sunday, local media reported Wednesday.

"We cannot say for certain whether Pessotto will be able to watch the World Cup final. A decision will probably be made on Friday," the head of Molinette Hospital's intensive care unit, Dr Pier Paolo Donadio said.

"The main problem is that he cannot remain awake for long periods of time nor in a position which will allow him to watch TV," added the doctor.

Pessotto was rushed to Turin's Molinette hospital June 27 after he leapt off the roof of Juventus headquarters in an apparent suicide attempt.

The 36-year-old former Juve and Italy defender suffered multiple fractures and internal damage when he bounced off a car at an estimated 60 mph.

Doctors say it will take a month or more to know for sure whether he will survive and how much permanent damage he suffered.

He has undergone surgery three times, first to set some bones and stop internal bleeding, and later to try and remove a blood clot which was endangering his life.

Former Juve teammate Antonio Conte visited Pessotto Wednesday morning and told him how Italy defeated Germany and had reached the final.

A model professional who gave his all on the pitch, Pessotto was held up as an example for youngsters. He collected 22 Italy caps, playing in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

The defender still had one year to go on his contract when he accepted an offer to become Juve's sports director last month. At the time, he said: "I'm happy about this. It will keep me in touchwith the team and help me get used to not playing".

Sources close to the family have admitted that he was in therapy for depression.

Editor: Donald