Prandelli: Italy return for Totti unlikely

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has indicated that Francesco Totti will not return to the national team ahead of next year's World Cup.

The Roma captain has not featured for his country since helping the Azzurri lift the trophy in Germany in 2006, but there has been mounting speculation that the 37-year-old forward was ready to come out of international retirement should he be called upon.

Prandelli, however, has now all but ruled out the possibility of Totti traveling to Brazil with Italy.

"He is a great talent, but time does not stand still for anyone," the Italy boss told reporters. "Either way, let's not talk about a Totti return. Last time we did that, it didn't end well for him as he picked up an injury. And let's not forget that he was the one who made the decision to retire from international football."

Totti has made 58 international appearances, scoring nine goals.