Cesare Prandelli has opened the door for Francesco Totti’s return at Euro 2012. “Why not? If he’s in good shape…”
Cesare Prandelli has opened the door for Francesco Totti’s return at Euro 2012. “Why not? If he’s in good shape…”
The Roma captain made history on Saturday when scoring his 211th Serie A goal in a Roma jersey, breaking Gunnar Nordahl’s record of goals for a single club.
Italy have a striker shortage for the European Championships, as both Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi must race against time to recover from surgery.
“At the end of the season we will evaluate the physical condition of the players,” Prandelli told TG1.
“We started the campaign with a project and if there are players with great character in good shape then they will be taken into consideration.
“Does that include Totti? Why not, if he’s in good shape…”
The veteran retired from international duty in 2007 when recurring injuries took their toll, but has never entirely closed the door to a comeback.
Azzurri Coach Prandelli was also asked about the often problematic task of dealing with Mario Balotelli.
“Unfortunately this lad is under the spotlight 24/7. He has to relax and stay calm, then judged for what he does on the pitch.”
Balotelli went to the Premier League for Manchester City and Daniele De Rossi could soon follow if he doesn’t renew his Roma contract.
“When a Nazionale player leaves Serie A there are negatives and positives. If Daniele were to go abroad, he might bring some extra experience to the Italy squad.”