TOTTI AND NESTA RETIREMENT?

What are peoples opinions on Totti and Nesta's stance on international football?

Is this indicative of the decline of the priority of International Football?

Is it more symptomatic of the provincialism that exists in Italy, regional loyalty is bigger than country, Italy is still a relatively young country and many people still do oppose unification e.g. the North/South divide in our country.

How will it affect Italy? Cannavaro-Materazzi form a fantastic partnership, but you lose Nesta's grace, passing and ball retention. Barzagli and Gamberini will find it easier perhaps to get experience now though?

Totti - A born Roman, clearly prizes his club form above Italy, he is a symbol of the ROMAN people, rather than any identity with Italy. His national performances since Euro2000 have been frustrating to be lenient.

Replacements for Totti? Del Piero, Rosina, Montolivo even Pirlo or Aquilani can play advanced roles if we replace Totti in his natural trequartista role.

But, does this signify a change in tactics, Lippi's 4-4-1-1 with the left sided midfielder playing the advanced role and moving inside, or can Italy dispense with the position and adopt a new tactic as in recent games? Totti's club form has been brilliant this season, he is not the focal point of Roma's attacks, but rather acts as a pivot, is this something La Nazionale could benefit from? We certainly have the personell.

Opinions, please.

Nesta's isnt coming at the best time considering he is younger than Canna and Matrix. We have Barzagli but I'm not sure otherwise.

Totti I am a big fan of...BUT you are right. For him Roma comes first,second and third. We have strikers/forwards in abundance who are all very good.

I would like both to be playing, but I think we can replace them. Although Nesta's replacement worries me.

I think it's a combination of things.

1) I think players like Totti may be feeling slightly less motivation after winning the World Cup. Remember that Totti fought day and night to speed up his recovery so he could play for Italy in the World Cup.

2) Nesta's decision comes about because he is CONSTANTLY injured. I can actually understand this decision. This will definitely ease his worries.

3) Even if Roma does come first for Totti, it does not mean he doesn't value Italy. Totti is bit of a dickhead, but he does try his hardest when he is on the pitch.

4) I don't think it has anything to do with regional rivalries. I am familiar with what you're saying (I have read extensively on the topic), but I don't think that is as big a factor as say in Spain.

5) Totti wants to recover from his serious injury.

In short, I actually think we play better without Totti. As much as I like Totti he has never REALLY shone for Italy. I would be perfectly happy if he didn't go to Euro2008.

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:I think it's a combination of things.

1) I think players like Totti may be feeling slightly less motivation after winning the World Cup. Remember that Totti fought day and night to speed up his recovery so he could play for Italy in the World Cup.

2) Nesta's decision comes about because he is CONSTANTLY injured. I can actually understand this decision. This will definitely ease his worries.

3) Even if Roma does come first for Totti, it does not mean he doesn't value Italy. Totti is bit of a dickhead, but he does try his hardest when he is on the pitch.

4) I don't think it has anything to do with regional rivalries. I am familiar with what you're saying (I have read extensively on the topic), but I don't think that is as big a factor as say in Spain.

5) Totti wants to recover from his serious injury.

In short, I actually think we play better without Totti. As much as I like Totti he has never REALLY shone for Italy. I would be perfectly happy if he didn't go to Euro2008.

Italy do mostly play better when they are without Totti, I agree... but when facing a top notch team like Brazil or Argentina, I rather Italy have Totti.... and Nesta! Coz thats when you need class. Imagine DP trying his best Totti impression against Brazil??

I think Nesta should take a break, but he is too young to retire.

I don't grudge Totti his break, but after this summer he has no excuse.

Italy need to start blooding another CB along with Barzagli, just in case. Its time to drop one of Materazzi or Cannavaro. That risk needs to be taken now.

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:

In short, I actually think we play better without Totti. As much as I like Totti he has never REALLY shone for Italy. I would be perfectly happy if he didn't go to Euro2008.