Lippi hopeful of Nesta recall

(GSM) – Italy boss Marcello Lippi admits he can recall Alessandro Nesta to the Azzurri ahead of the World Cup.

The Milan defender has been in very good form for the Rossoneri this season after returning from injury, and Lippi says that he will try to persuade the defender to come out of international retirement.

The 33-year-old center-half retired after Italy’s World Cup triumph in 2006. However, Lippi realizes that a fourth appearance on the world stage is not out of the question for Nesta.

The former Lazio defender has had bad luck in the previous World Cup tournaments, suffering injuries during World Cup 1998, 2002 and 2006. Lippi admits he feels bad for Nesta, and is considering recalling the player.

“He is in credit with the national team because he was injured at two World Cups. It would be great,” Lippi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’ve talked with him and during the week we’ll talk again. We’ll see.”

Nesta gathered 78 international caps during a 10-year spell. He could make a return to the national team’s squad when Italy face Cameroon in a friendly next week.

Italy have been drawn in the World Cup in Group F along with New Zealand, Slovakia and Paraguay.