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Roma boss Claudio Ranieri: Francesco Totti wants Italy return
Totti willing to end international exile, but Lippi will have final say...
12 Oct 2009 09:05:35
By Vince Masiello
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has revealed that club icon Francesco Totti is open to a return to the Italy squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
The 33-year-old last played for the Azzurri on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, when Italy where crowned world champions after defeating France on penalties.
“I think that the road to Francesco’s return to the Nazionale is travelable,” former Chelsea boss Ranieri revealed to the La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He had given up the Azzurri shirt because of physical problems. But it seems to me that he is willing to go back now.
“If he takes a step back by offering his availability and, at the same time, Lippi takes a step back too and is prepared to welcome him back, the door could be re-opened.”
Italy qualified for next year’s tournament in South Africa with a 2-2 draw away to Ireland on Saturday and will face Cyprus in Parma in their final qualifier on Wednesday.
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri has revealed that club icon Francesco Totti is open to a return to the Italy squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
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The 33-year-old last played for the Azzurri on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, when Italy where crowned world champions after defeating France on penalties.
“I think that the road to Francesco’s return to the Nazionale is travelable,” former Chelsea boss Ranieri revealed to the La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He had given up the Azzurri shirt because of physical problems. But it seems to me that he is willing to go back now.
“If he takes a step back by offering his availability and, at the same time, Lippi takes a step back too and is prepared to welcome him back, the door could be re-opened.”
Italy qualified for next year’s tournament in South Africa with a 2-2 draw away to Ireland on Saturday and will face Cyprus in Parma in their final qualifier on Wednesday.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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