Italy coach Marcello Lippi has welcomed comments from Roma captain Francesco Totti that he may end his international exile.

"I read what Francesco said and I thank him," commented Lippi in the Corriere dello Sport.

"Francesco is really a good lad, quite aside from his obvious talent as a player. I have a special report with him, as with all the boys who won with me in Berlin."

Lippi added: "I am happy that he is in good shape now, as at the time not everybody understood his decision, which forced him to make choices due to his physical problems.

"As for the future, however, I will say nothing for now. This is not the time to discuss it."