Giallorossi legend continues to impress in Serie A.
With his club form capturing the imagination of Italians across the country so far this season, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has admitted that he will consider an international recall for Roma legend Francesco Totti next summer.
Despite turning 37 last month, the timeless legend has demonstrated his continued desire to perform at a high level, while his quality with the ball at his feet has never deserted him.
While he may no longer be able to move as freely as he used to in his younger days, the Roma captain still displays a great determination to get about the pitch which in turn would allay any fears that the Azzurri may suffer in terms of their defensive work.
However, his most influential impact would arrive through his creative ability which is still perhaps unmatched in the current group of players Prandelli has at his disposal.
The modern game has perhaps ensured that the traditional No.10 has slowly disappeared into the history books, yet as proven by Totti so far this year he can still flourish in a more withdrawn role behind pacey and dynamic front-men while also contributing with goals.
As a result, the arguments for his inclusion initially suggest that it would be a wise decision from Prandelli to include him in his squad, fitness permitting. The former Fiorentina coach has emphasised the fact that he will wait until the end of the season to monitor Totti’s fitness and decide whether or not he will be on the flight to Brazil.
Furthermore, Totti himself has yet to officially make himself available for La Nazionale, suggesting in recent interviews that he is concentrating on Roma at this point and will consider the national team next summer.
However, aside from the experience and winning mentality he would bring to the camp after his triumph back in 2006, would he be capable of producing in a tournament with games so closely packed together?
Granted he is unlikely to start games as the likes of Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi are arguably emerging as Italy’s first-choice pairing, but Prandelli may benefit from the additional option of bringing Totti off the bench to unlock stubborn defences.
Based on current form, Totti is without doubt one of the more impressive Italian stars in Serie A at this point. Much could change from now until June, but the veteran star is making a solid case for one last soiree with the Azzurri before retirement.
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