Francesco Totti believes this Italy side is writing history, but admits the World Cup Final will probably be his last match for the Azzurri.
“We’re writing a page in football history here and it’s only the last page currently left blank,” said the Romanista. “I thanked Marcello Lippi and will always be grateful to him for believing in my ability to recover from this ankle injury.”
They are in the Final on July 9, it could well be the last match in which Totti pulls on the Azzurri jersey. “I am 90 per cent sure I’m leaving the Nazionale after this tournament. I hope to end my international career on a high.”
The team edged past hosts Germany in a dramatic semi-final, as Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero snatched goals for the 2-0 victory in the final minutes of extra time.
“I am absolutely overjoyed with the performance of the whole team, who proved themselves world class tonight. Germany are very organised and we showed how much we wanted this Final. I don’t think it was a particularly balanced encounter. We had more of the ball, controlled the tempo and had the best chances by far. I was thinking about penalties, but when I saw Grosso’s shot hit the back of the net, my mind just blew open. I had no idea what was going on!”
The Roma captain was asked who he’d prefer in the Final from France and Portugal, but insisted he already knew. “A month ago I said the Final would be Italy-Portugal. We’ll see if I’m a mind-reader.”