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30 May 2005, 01:11 AM
ROME (AP) - Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero were left off Italy's roster for a World Cup qualifier in Norway on Saturday.
Both players appeared for their club in Sunday's final Serie A round but Italy coach Marcello Lippi apparently did not think they were in good enough form.
Totti was returning to league action after a five-match ban for punching an opponent. Del Piero has been trading verbal blows over the last week with Juventus coach Fabio Capello about his limited playing time this season.
Lippi recalled Christian Vieri, whom he had previously called up for only one friendly.
Totti's AS Roma teammate Antonio Cassano could start in attack alongside Parma's Alberto Gilardino. Italy's top two young strikers are 22 years old.
Italy leads Group 5 of European qualifying with 12 points. Norway and Slovenia are tied for second with eight points each.
Both players appeared for their club in Sunday's final Serie A round but Italy coach Marcello Lippi apparently did not think they were in good enough form.
Totti was returning to league action after a five-match ban for punching an opponent. Del Piero has been trading verbal blows over the last week with Juventus coach Fabio Capello about his limited playing time this season.
Lippi recalled Christian Vieri, whom he had previously called up for only one friendly.
Totti's AS Roma teammate Antonio Cassano could start in attack alongside Parma's Alberto Gilardino. Italy's top two young strikers are 22 years old.
Italy leads Group 5 of European qualifying with 12 points. Norway and Slovenia are tied for second with eight points each.