Italy coach Marcelo Lippi has calmed talk of a return to the national side for Francesco Totti.
Italy coach insists he has the final say on selection amid Totti return
Italy coach Marcelo Lippi has calmed talk of a return to the national side for Roma's Francesco Totti, insisting that only he would decide who earns a call-up to the squad.
Totti retired from international football following Italy's World Cup victory in Germany in 2006 to concentrate on his club career.
However, over the last 18 months Totti suffered from injuries and recently claimed he would welcome a return to the international fold.
But Lippi has no intention of bowing to potential public pressure to restore the 32-year-old favourite.
Adamant
"I've read and heard the recent quotes from Francesco Totti about his availability for the national team," said Lippi.
"That is certainly a demonstration of great seriousness and professionalism but it is me who will make every decision.
"When he decided to retire from international duty for his own reasons, everyone including me respected that.
"This is his decision but all others are mine."
Lippi also offered little encouragement to Juventus' Brazilian striker Amauri, who has been attempting to get an Italian passport with a view to representing the Azzurri.
Snub
"We have enough Italian players of unquestionable quality and we're not looking for players with dual nationality," he added.
Italy will play Brazil in a friendly in London at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on 10th February, a game Lippi is looking forward to.
"I'm fascinated by the challenge against Brazil and I can't wait for the game not least because it will be the first time I come up against this prestigious team.
"It's a strange thing but as a player and coach over 40 years I've never come up against Brazil but this year with this friendly and the Confederations Cup, it could happen three times."
