Italy boss Cesare Prandelli will consider Roma’s Francesco Totti for World Cup 2014 selection.
The forward, who will be 37 in September, has impressed again with the Giallorossi by grabbing 11 goals in 26 League games this term.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli will consider Roma’s Francesco Totti for World Cup 2014 selection.
The forward, who will be 37 in September, has impressed again with the Giallorossi by grabbing 11 goals in 26 League games this term.
Although Totti hasn’t played for his country since winning the World Cup in 2006, Prandelli has opened the door for his recall.
“As I have said, I’m now looking at 20-year-olds to see what they can provide, but Totti is different,” the CT stated on Monday.
“We are obliged to keep him under consideration for as long as he continues to play like a kid. If we qualify for the World Cup then I’ll take a look at what shape Totti is in.”
Prandelli has selected a 27-man squad for Thursday’s friendly against Brazil and next Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Malta.
“I want to prepare for these two games as if they are both qualifiers,” he added. “They are both important matches, even if the Malta one more so as that is worth three points.
“But when you face Brazil you can’t waste any time when preparing for it. Just their name causes concern.”
By selecting Torino’s Alessio Cerci in the squad for the first time, the tactician seemed to confirm the idea that he would again look to test a 4-3-3.
“Cerci has a great opportunity and we’ll have the chance to play with three forwards with him in the side,” he added.
“The block of [eight] Juventus players? I also have five Milan players here and I hope that will grow…
“I like the idea of working with blocks of club players. I don’t have that much time and players therefore already know each other well.
“The spirit of the side is also advantaged by that, but my choices are based on which players deserve the call. I don’t see better players than those I have selected.”
Prandelli also explained the decision to ignore Fiorentina’s Manuel Pasqual who has been in good form of late.
“I decided to select players in their 20s who have more prospects for the future. I have great consideration for Pasqual though.”
Juventus squad player Emanuele Giaccherini has again been selected despite his lack of first team opportunities in Turin, while Inter’s Antonio Cassano continues to be omitted.
“I’m happy for Giaccherini. He can be used in a variety of positions and I’d always want to have players like him.
“Cassano? He was extraordinary the other night against Tottenham. Everyone is considered, as I showed with Antonio Di Natale.
“A lot of people thought that I would not call him up, but when I say things I do so because I believe in them.”