Totti delighted with early return

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti's hopes of making the Italy FIFA World Cup squad have improved after he came through 77 minutes of a friendly match unscathed on Thursday. Totti's season looked over when he broke his leg and damaged ankle ligaments in February, but the forward is now targeting a first-team return for the first leg of the Coppa Italia final against FC Internazionale Milano on 3 May.

'Very happy'
"I tested my ankle in every way and it responded well," he said, following the game between the Giallorossi youth team and Serie C side Cisco Roma in front of 3,000 spectators at the Stadio Flaminio in Rome. "I shouldn't be scared, if I play without fear I can do anything. I felt very secure in the tackle, which is what I was most worried about. I'm very happy. Now it's just a question of getting back to match fitness."

'Positive signs'
The 29-year-old, who has not played since 19 February, has scored 15 goals in 23 Serie A appearances this term. Roma are fifth in Serie A, three points behind ACF Fiorentina in the race for the fourth UEFA Champions League qualifying place with three matches remaining. He has been capped 49 times for Italy, scoring eight goals, and is on track to add to those totals in Germany this summer. "I'm extremely happy for him," said Italy coach Marcello Lippi. "I have been following his progress. His recovery is continuing and I have received many positive signs from him. I think there's a good chance of having him back for the World Cup."