TOTTI COOL OVER BAGGIO AZZURRI RUMOURS

THE clamour for Roberto Baggio's inclusion in the Italian squad for next summer's World Cup Finals has received an indifferent reception from Roma captain and current possessor of the national side's fantasista role Francesco Totti.

"I do not know if Baggio could accept being the spare man," said Totti. "But it is important that it is all made clear before hand so it does not make problems."

Totti was referring to problems supposedly experienced by Alessandro Del Piero at France '98. Baggio's presence in the '98 squad was blamed for adding extra pressure to Del Piero that resulted in below par performances from the Juventus striker.

Despite this it was the experienced Baggio who rescued the Azzurri with a last minute penalty equaliser in their opening game against Chile three years ago.

Totti's comments came after the national coach Giovanni Trapattoni reiterated that Baggio was in his thoughts for next year's tournament. And support for Baggio's inclusion has received added weight from Bologna striker Guiseppe Signori.

"The national squad is too young," said Signori. "I would take Baggio to the World Cup."