Totti leaves door open for Italy return

MILAN, June 4 (Reuters) Striker Francesco Totti has hinted he may be willing to return to the Italian national side next season.

The AS Roma forward, top scorer in Serie A this season with 26 goals, said he was taking a break from international football after last year's World Cup triumph and has not played for the Azzurri since.

Saturday's dull 2-1 win in a Euro 2008 qualifier in the Faroe Islands has led Italian media to clamour for his return, especially after doctors decided that he did not need an operation to remove a plate from his ankle.

''I am not having an operation. Now I will go on holiday and think of my family and of resting. This year I have played more than 50 games and in my condition it is hard. I need to get away,'' Totti told newspaper Il Messaggero today.

''In July, I will telephone (Italy team manager) Gigi Riva and I will tell him how I am and what I am thinking of doing.

Then we will see.'' Second-placed Italy, who visit Lithuania in another qualifier on Wednesday, host leaders France in Group B's big game in September.

Italian media have speculated whether Totti could return on a part-time basis, playing only in the important matches.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is frustrated by the constant questions about Totti and has said he will talk with the striker only after Wednesday's match.

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta asked to be left out of Donadoni's squad so he could get married, but he has also hinted to the coach that he would follow Totti in not making himself available for future games.

REUTERS BJR DS1630