Can the Azzurri afford to ignore Francesco Totti?

Date: 15th October 2013 at 7:13am
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Francesco Totti - ItalyLast weekend, Francesco Totti expertly juggled his way out of trouble on the edge of his own area before releasing a pass that began the counter that ended with Alessandro Florenzi netting a superb goal at the San Siro.  It not only signaled Roma’s intent this season but also the reason why so many would readily welcome the Italian veteran back into the Azzurri squad.

With Rudi Garcia’s side sitting top of Serie A, calls for the Roman to be recalled to the Italian national team set-up have surfaced once more.

However, regardless of the Giallorossi’s 100 per cent start or Italy’s comfortable qualification, the 37-year-old has been in sparkling form this term. Under Zdenek Zeman and then Aurelio Andreazzoli last season, Totti restated his quality after the 2011-12 campaign had been hampered by injury and coach Luis Enrique’s reluctance to start the Roman.

Despite never quite gaining the international recognition of some of his countrymen, his form has rarely dropped since he became a fundamental part of the Giallorossi first-team. Even his most ‘unproductive’ year yielded a combined total of 15 goals and assists for the side and the veteran has already contributed nine in the opening seven fixtures this season.

While some may dispute whether Totti will be able to command a starting position for the Azzurri, on this form a place in the squad should be unquestionable. Little argument can be made that the likes of Alberto Aquilani or Andrea Poli should make way in favour of the Roman, however, as a fixture at Roma a concern could be that a bit part role would restrict his influence.

His tournament history with Italy is somewhat mixed. Earning his first cap during qualification for the European Championships in 2000, he helped take the team to the final in Rotterdam, scoring twice and adding an exquisite Panenka penalty in the semi-final shootout over co-hosts Holland. However, in the end he was helpless as they capitulated late in the final to France.

Two years later, during the World Cup, he was handed the iconic number ten ahead of Juventus’ Alessandro Del Piero but it failed to increase their luck as he was controversially sent off as the Azzurri crashed out in the second round to South Korea.

Ironically at Euro 2004 in Portugal, Totti remained on the pitch despite TV cameras catching him spitting at Denmark’s Christian Poulsen and was retrospectively banned, as Italy failed to qualify from the group.

Francesco Totti - RomaWith that disgrace fresh in their minds, the Italian media remained unconvinced over Totti’s inclusion in the victorious 2006 World Cup squad as he battled back from severe injury, but took part in all seven matches. He finished the tournament with the most assists, as well as scoring the vital penalty winner during the round-of-16 win over Australia.

Until early 2013 it seemed as though Totti would remain in the international wilderness, however, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli stated that he would consider his return for Brazil. While noting that although the Roma captain was in superb form and had no doubts recalling the veteran, he will evaluate the player’s condition one month prior to the World Cup.

Such an admission from the coach raises concern whether Prandelli really does see Totti as a viable option. Surely if that were the case he would want to integrate the Roman into a squad he has not featured in for seven years now, rather than wait until the tournament is about to begin. With Italy already qualified, the two recent competitive fixtures would have shown how he might fit into the current set-up.

Even if not a starter, his experience can be vital to a squad expected to contain a number of entertaining youngsters such as Lorenzo Insigne and club teammate Florenzi. What better option is there to have than an inform Totti available to possibly partner Pirlo once more, this time behind the eccentric Mario Balotelli and turn a game in the Azzurri’s favour.

If that were not to happen then his calmness and experience could prove just as vital should a penalty shoot-out once again decide their fate, maybe even in the Maracana come 13 July.

Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton

 

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