Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hinted that he could call up AS Roma captain Francesco Totti for next summer’s World Cup, as the 37-year-old was inscintillating form for the Serie A giant shortly before being sidelined by injury. Speaking ahead of the World Cup draw in Brazil on Friday, Prandelli noted that he is still considering Totti, butless so, Parma striker Antonio Cassano.
“Before his injury, Totti did great things and proved he deserves a call-up. Then he stopped and is now getting readyfor his comeback. We’ll see how it goes, as I am keeping Totti under very close observation,” he said. “Cassano? He had a great Euro 2012, but then a new anddifferent Nazionale was born, aiming towards the World Cup. I will also evaluate Cassano, that is clear, but I must give the utmost faith in a squad that took us to the World Cup withtwo rounds to spare.”
Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon echoed Prandelli’s sentiments about Totti. “I am great friends with Francesco. Beforethe injury he was playing at a stratospheric level and someone like him always makes the difference. Personally, I would take him to the World Cup.”