Azzurri one of the “top candidates” to win World Cup.
Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that he would pick both Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo were they available for selection for the Selecao.
While Pirlo has continued to produce over the past few years, there have been increased calls for Totti to come out of international retirement ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
Initial concerns surround his fitness, but Scolari has insisted that the Roma captain would undoubtedly be in his squad if he were Brazilian.
“I like Totti a lot,” Scolari noted in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia. “He’s playing well, he has unsurpassable qualities and a great affection for Roma.
“Had he been Brazilian then he would have a great chance of being called up by me, but he is lucky enough to be eligible for a fantastic and spectacular national side.
“Whoever is good enough for Italy could also play for Brazil.”
The former World Cup winner has also claimed that Cesare Prandelli’s squad are capable of winning the tournament next summer, and believes their biggest strength is their midfield.
Amongst the quartet of likely starters is Pirlo, who has been reinvigorated by his switch to Juventus and has previously suggested that the World Cup next year will be his last major tournament at international level.
However, his age is of no concern to Scolari who would also select him in his squad were he available in the Brazilian pool.
“Throughout the world there are players who are head and shoulders above the others,” he said.
“Pirlo is one of those who has marked an era for his quality, for how he treats the ball and for his ability to always find the right position on the field.
“He would play in any team in any League.”
With his contract set to expire after the World Cup, Scolari left the door open for a future as the Italy boss, with Prandelli also set to consider his options following the tournament.
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