Italy

Italy Boss Lippi Rules Out Totti Return But Gives Cassano Hope

The Azzurri boss will not recall 'Er Pupone'.

Aug 10, 2009 10:49:18 AM

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Marcello Lippi - Italy (Grazia Neri)

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Italy are preparing for their friendly against Switzerland by meeting at Coverciano, where coach Marcello Lippi discussed the state of the team, ruling out a recall for Roma talisman Francesco Totti but not dismissing Antonio Cassano's hopes for selection.

"Totti has made the decision to leave the Nazionale and I do not intend to reverse that decision," he explained to the Corriere dello Sport.

"Every time that Totti is asked about Italy, he replies that he has great esteem for me. He is an extraordinary player, but he will not be coming back to us."

The tactician was then asked about the possibility of Antonio Cassano rejoining the team.

"I will decide to summon him based on both technical and psychological criteria," he responded, not dismissing the notion that the Sampdoria star could be included in future squads.

Meanwhile, Lippi called up two new young faces to the squad - Claudio Marchisio and Domenico Criscito - but left out some of the veteran players who disappointed at the Confederations Cup, most notably Gennaro Gattuso and Luca Toni.

"One thing I want to clarify is that I never said Italy have a one in a billion chance of winning the World Cup," the former Juventus boss continued.

"I am convinced that Italy have a much better opportunity. I said that we have minimal chance if we abandon players of experience."

Adam Scime, Goal.com

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