Former Fiorentina boss also praises his Serie A colleagues.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has hinted that the door is still open for the likes of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero to return to the Azzurri.
The Italian tactician celebrated his 56th birthday on Monday, and discussed a number of topics including his selections for the World Cup next summer.
The former Fiorentina boss has been widely praised since his appointment for ushering in a new generation of stars and relying on youth to progress.
In turn, this strategy has also been adopted by Serie A clubs which has led to certain aspects of the future of Italian football looking more promising.
However, he has also hinted that the door is not closed for the veterans who helped the Azzurri win the World Cup back in 2006.
“Everyone must think they can make the World Cup. Between late March and April we will try to understand those who have the best condition,” he said as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Totti, Di Natale and we also add Del Piero to the conversation. You have to go with the best players. We must also follow Antonio Cassano who had an extraordinary European Championships, if he has a strong season with Parma and finds a good condition, it will definitely get him into serious consideration,” he added.
It remains to be seen how serious Prandelli is when discussing the likes of Totti and Del Piero, particularly the latter who has been plying his trade in Australia over the past year.
Di Natale and Cassano perhaps represent more realistic options considering they continue to perform at club level, as does Totti who will hope to be a protagonist again this season.
Prandelli was also very complimentary of some of the coaches in Serie A, mentioning Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Vincenzo Montella and Stefano Pioli in particular.
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