Marcello Lippi has spoken of his striking options as Ireland close the gap on the Azzurri in World Cup Qualification Group 8...

Italy looked slow and lacking in ideas and inspiration when they were beaten by Brazil on Tuesday night at the Emirates stadium. There had been talk of a return to the Azzurri set up for Roma man Francesco Totti, but now it seems further off.

Coach Marcello Lippi was speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, when he said, “There’s nothing happening with Totti, I have always said, that it was his decision to leave the national side.

“[Alessandro] Del Piero? I know him very well, and Italy’s doors are open to all, but we will talk about that closer to the World Cup, which goes for [Antonio] Cassano too.”

The tactician only really became enthusiastic when the name Giuseppe Rossi was mentioned. “Rossi really bowled me over,” the World Cup winner stated, “I was so impressed with his personality and will to work, he did brilliantly.”

Italy will now need all their forward fire power, as Ireland’s win against Georgia means they joined the Azzurri at the top of Group 8 and the world champions cannot afford to drop points when qualifying restarts in March.