Totti And Nesta Are Welcome To Return - Lippi

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has left the Nazionale door open for Roma captain and legend Francesco Totti and Milan stopper Alessandro Nesta.

Sep 20, 2008 12:31:12 PM

Alessandro Nesta & Francesco Totti, Italy (Foto Grazia Neri)

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Alessandro Nesta & Francesco Totti, Italy (Foto Grazia Neri)

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The Giallorosso decided to hang up his international boots in 2006 after he helped Italy lift their fourth World Cup trophy.

Totti has always said that he wouldn’t return to the national set up but Lippi has dropped a massive hint to his former player and it seems as if the coach wants him back as he leaves the door open.

“Totti and Nesta decided to leave voluntarily and I have respect for their decisions because they gave Italy so much playing for La Nazionale,” Lippi told FIFA magazine.

“However the door will always be open for them. I expect determination and enthusiasm from my players, that’s the only way we can defend our 2006 title.

“I think Italy is on the same level as Germany, Brazil and Argentina in terms of football and we are condemned to win.

“Thankfully we have [Gianluigi] Buffon and he is the best goalkeeper in the World.”

Italy have started their World Cup defence in positive fashion after picking up two wins from their games against Cyprus and Georgia in their group 8 South Africa 2010 qualifying group.

Nesta is unlikely to return to the Azzurri as he is out with a long term injury while it would be a massive U-turn for Er Pupone given his resistance to go back.

Salvatore Landolina