Totti hints at part-time Azzurri return

      ROME (AFP) - Francesco Totti could end his sabbatical from international duty this September, but is only prepared to make himself available for Italy's crucial matches.

      The 30-year-old Roma captain has not played for the Azzurri since their triumphant World Cup campaign last year, citing fitness problems and an unwillingness to spend more time away from his family.

      "I am going on holiday and then I will call (Italy's team manager Gigi) Riva; I am ready to play in the important matches," Totti, who fractured his left ankle a few months before the World Cup, told Italian newspaper 'Il Messagero'.

      "Now I am going on holiday and all that I am thinking about is my family and having a rest.

      "This season I have played more than 50 matches and that takes its toll. I have to take a break. In July I will telephone Riva and I will tell him how I am and what I am thinking. Then we will see."

      Italy will be without Totti - Serie A's top scorer this season with 26 goals - for their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday away to Lithuania but could be available for the two potentially crucial Group B matches against France and Ukraine in September.

      Totti's offer to come back for the Azzurri on a part-time basis is unlikely to improve relations between him and Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who has expressed fears it could set a worrying precedent.

      And on Monday, Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta said it was not right for any international to pick and choose the matches he wants to play in.

      "I'm not naming names and I'm not pointing the finger at anybody, I am only saying that if you hold the national team dear to you, you must turn up whether it's against the big clubs or the small clubs," said the Barcelona player at the Azzurri's training session in Milan.

      "You can't just come along for the World Cup and European championship matches. I don't want to cause controversy with anyone, but it's what I and the rest of the squad here think."

      After six matches France, who Italy beat in last year's World Cup final, top Group B on 15 points, followed by the Italians on 13 while Scotland are tied with Ukraine on 12 points.