Totti sits out Serbia trip
Sunday 7 September, 2003
Francesco Totti has failed a late fitness test and will not join the Azzurri in their Euro 2004 qualifier in Belgrade.
“I spoke with Francesco this morning,” revealed Giovanni Trapattoni, “and we both agree with the situation.”
Italy can all but sew up their passage to the European Championships with a win against Serbia & Montenegro on Wednesday.
“He is technically available, but considering he hasn’t trained in a while and we have alternatives, we both thought it best to leave it.”
The creative midfielder has been out of action since heavily bruising his hip during a pre-season friendly with Betis Seville.
He was forced to sit out yesterday’s 4-0 win against Wales, but the fine performance of the team makes his recovery less crucial than previously thought.
“In these conditions it is absurd to ask Totti to strain himself,” continued Trap. “He can’t give me guarantees on his fitness and I don’t want to interrupt his recovery process.”
The Giallorossi hero has not trained fully since August 26 and according to reports is also in doubt for the next Serie A encounter with Brescia.
“I hope Totti recovers steadily so he can be on top form for Roma and Italy,” added the tactician.
“This isn’t like other times when some players pulled out of international duty with knocks and played in Serie A a few days later.”
Trapattoni does not plan big changes from the side that thrashed Wales at the San Siro, although Alessio Tacchinardi may recover to feature in midfield.
Milan's Massimo Ambrosini has gone home after suffering from influenza, but Trap has not called a replacement.
The new system – with Alessandro Del Piero out wide on the left to support front two Christian Vieri and Pippo Inzaghi – worked wonders even without Totti.
“But don’t think we can plan an Azzurri side without Totti,” pointed out the Coach. “We are all waiting for him to return.”
This could mean pushing hat-trick hero Inzaghi out of the side, particularly if it means a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation.
“Inzaghi was played as an alternative to Totti. When Francesco returns to the squad then Inzaghi will be the alternative to someone else.”
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