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| Tuesday 24 June, 2008 |
| Blog: Back to the Future |
| Euro 2008 failure may see Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta tempted out of international retirement. Antonio Labbate ponders such a step |
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Here’s a hypothetical question worth asking. What would Italy have achieved at Euro 2008 with Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti in the team? There’s no right or wrong answer, but admit it, you have a sneaky suspicion that things could have turned out a little differently.
With that in mind, is it any wonder that Marcello Lippi is expected to make contact with the pair in a bid to get them back on board ahead of World Cup 2010 qualification? It makes sense in footballing terms but, make no mistake about it, not everyone will welcome them back into the Azzurri fold with open arms.
Let’s start with the reasons why the international doors should once more open for the pair. On their day, they are still two of the most gifted footballers in Serie A in their respective positions. Both Totti, who would have missed Euro 2008 anyway because of injury, and Nesta are fundamental figures for their club. They would have walked into Roberto Donadoni’s side which, coincidentally, did have a few problems at the back and in attack during the last month.
In many ways, the possible return of Nesta would be far more important to Lippi than Totti. Despite Fabio Cannavaro’s intention to still be a part of the 2010 World Cup side and the promising progression of Giorgio Chiellini, La Nazionale is presently short of real quality centre-backs. Marco Materazzi belongs to the past, Christian Panucci will be snubbed by Lippi for more reasons than his age and Andrea Barzagli is a question mark in boots.
Italy simply need Nesta and it’s a case of vice-versa. While he took the decision to retire from the national team in August last year, he has unfinished business with the side. Hampered by injury during the last three World Cups, South Africa will be his last chance to win that trophy as a protagonist rather than as a squad member.
But would it be right for Lippi to base the future of the national side on vecchie glorie, players from the past? Especially individuals who, for whatever reasons, turned their backs on a team who helped form the reputation that they hold today. And how would squad harmony and team spirit – which are fundamental to Lippi creations – be affected by their returns?
Then there is the age factor. Much has been made about the need to rejuvenate an ageing side, a team who went to Euro 2008 with one of the oldest squads in the competition. Yet calling back Totti and Nesta – if they do return – would age the line-up seeing as the pair will both be celebrating their 34th birthdays in 2010.
Yet, how important is a date of birth in the grand scheme of things? Greece boss Otto Rehhagel once said that there are no old or young players, only good and bad ones. We all know, Lippi included, which category Totti and Nesta fall in.
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I think any player that quits international football obviously hasn’t got the desire anymore. They can’t just pick and choose to play when they fancy it, what sort of message does that send out to the rest of the squad? Furthermore, Italy are in danger of ending up like France, a team of old men living on reputation. This would be a backwards step, especially in Totti’s case who at 34 in 2010 will be in his twilight years.
These players are the past, we should let them go. The future are players like Chiellini, Montolivo, Quagliarella and Cassano, not Nesta and Totti. I also can’t see a Coach as shrewd and ruthless as Lippi not realising this. The modern game requires players with pace, and a team with eight or nine players over 30 is destined to fail.
Garry Passarella
Was it not Italy that had the oldest squad in Euro 08 and most people complained that we should have looked at younger players to build for the next World Cup? So the obvious solution is to recall Nesta and Totti. I think not! Let us look to the future. Nesta and Totti were great players, but are Italy's past. Should Lippi return is another question that should be debated. I feel despite his great record you should never go back and that relates to both Italy and Lippi.
Nick The Suffolk Eye-Talian
While our first thought is to blame Donadoni for Italy‘s early exit, I now think Totti and Nesta deserve some blame too. They should have been there for their country, but didn’t they care. Donadoni at least tried his best, regardless of whether or not he actually did a good job.
Totti is past his prime and he’s only going to get worse in the next few years. Italy has lots of young forwards they can count on. In my opinion, Fabio Quagliarella is the most underrated forward I’ve ever seen. He’s better than Totti ever was, he’s the best forward Italy’s had since Roberto Baggio.
Now Antonio Cassano seems to be finally getting his act together. I expect Gilardino to finally return to form this year. Rossi, Pazzini, Palladino and Balotelli all have great potential. And I don’t even need to say anything about Borriello. I don’t see why Italy needs to push a forward who’s past his prime to come back when he obviously is not really interested.
Nesta is a different story. I don’t admire his choice to leave the Azzurri. But aside from Chiellini, I don’t see enough great young defenders in Italy at the moment. Nesta has the wrong attitude, but the Azzurri really could use him right now.
Joe, Brooklyn, NY
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