Lippi, Totti and Nesta to make Italy return? - TalkSoccer

**Trim** · 24-06-2008, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Report: Totti & Nesta To Make Italy Return

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta will end their international retirements and return to the Azzurri set-up as part of Marcello Lippi’s 2010 World Cup team.

Lippi seems likely to return as coach of the Azzurri, and replace Roberto Donadoni who will leave following Sunday night’s Euro 2008 quarter final exit against Spain.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Lippi has already persuaded Totti and Nesta to end their international retirements and be part of the 2010 World Cup campaign.

Totti has not played for the Azzurri since the World Cup final win over France two years ago, which was Lippi’s last game in charge before he left to be replaced by Donadoni.

Nesta played one Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia in October 2006 before he also followed Totti in announcing his retirement.

However both players, who enjoy a fantastic relationship with Lippi, are now ready to return for the 2010 World Cup campaign.

If confirmed, the news is certain to be greeted by Italy fans, as many feel their was a distinct lack of quality in the Azzurri team at Euro 2008, something these two world champions would certainly bring.

Goal.com - World Cup - Report: Totti & Nesta To Make Italy Return

__-SNAKE-__ · 24-06-2008, 05:34 PM

Great, Who's next? Maldini and Vieri?
Get some new blood.

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 05:50 PM

No, no and no.

Seriously.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Kin

No, no and no.

Seriously.

YES, YES AND YESSSSS.

I'm biased bc i love Totti...but Italy missed him when Perrotta was playing behind Cassano and Toni in the EC. Totti and Cassano upfront would of been fantastic. Both create so much room. But, it may be too late for Totti as his pace has decreased over the past few years.

Nesta, if fit...absolutely...even as sub. But, like, Totti, it may be too late as well. Italy need to get younger.

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 06:26 PM

It's not a case of whether we want or need them.

They won't come back, it's that simple.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 06:41 PM

I wouldn't rule out a Totti attempted comeback...he's made a few statements saying he may come back. I think it's more to do with missing the atmosphere and being among the best in the world. But, once Serie A resumes, the physical demands of being the Roma captain will put a heavy strain on any possibility of a return.

But, personally, i would love for him to return...i really wish he didn't retire.

**azzurri** · 24-06-2008, 07:01 PM

Nesta is 1 of the best cb in the world. He retired early.

In any case, Totti and Nesta can fuck off. They cant come and go as they please.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 08:49 PM

Many player retire, then return. It's not like this is out of the ordinary. But, there are no quotes from the players, so we should take this article with a grain of salt.

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forza_Roma

Many player retire, then return. It's not like this is out of the ordinary.

Maybe with smaller nations that have less world class players but as azzurri said we don't need to and shouldn't have to wait for arrogant players such as Totti and Nesta that feel they can come and go as they please. We've got enough quality to win without them in my opinion.

As far as Italy is concerned once you retire that's it for me, you're never coming back.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 10:10 PM

I see what you're saying...but they left due to health concerns. It's not like they had personal grudges against anyone. The whole Totti incident was the fact that Donadoni was pushing Totti to return...Totti quit a couple weeks after the WC. Then, Totti agreed with FIGC to wait 6 months to rethink his decision. Still retired.

If someone wants to come back and the coach believes they will help the team win...i'm all for it. But, they are getting up there with their age...so who knows. I seriously, doubt either will return.....but, Italia isn't the same without my #10!!!

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forza_Roma

Totti quit a couple weeks after the WC. Then, Totti agreed with FIGC to wait 6 months to rethink his decision. Still retired.

In my eyes this is unacceptable, no one is bigger than the team. You're either available for selection or not, you can't just change your mind to suit yourself. No way.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 11:18 PM

He wasn't available. Donadoni went to him to try and pursued him...This is Totti we're talking about. Regardless, of my opinion on him...he scored 15 goals prior to getting injured before the WC and went on to score 26 goals following the WC. He was the best player in Serie A and to an extend, all of Europe. So, one could understand why Don was pushing for him to return. It would be like Buffon announcing his retirement tomorrow and either Don or Lippi trying to pursued him back. There's some exceptions to the rule...just as Nesta...players like this always have an open invitation.

Totti retired due to injuries and being physically fatigued...Totti has respect for the Azzurri shirt and in all likelihood, won't come back...but if he does want to return...how can a coach refuse?

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forza_Roma

Totti retired due to injuries and being physically fatigued...Totti has respect for the Azzurri shirt and in all likelihood, won't come back...but if he does want to return...how can a coach refuse?

Of course.

But I think he'd receive a mixed reaction from Italy fans, as you can already see from this thread.

Forza_Roma · 24-06-2008, 11:33 PM

And he may get some mixed reactions from a few players. I believe there were a few players that came out and publicly said some negative comments about him. Not sure if it was Matrix or Oddo. Can't remember.

Oddo will always be a Laziali though...so, he doesn't count.

**D-Kin** · 24-06-2008, 11:44 PM

Yeah, it was Oddo.