Totti to return in 2007

Francesco Totti has revealed that he will not return to the Italian team until next year.

The 29-year-old playmaker hinted earlier in the summer that he would retire from international football following the Azzurri's World Cup triumph.

He then had a change of heart and announced that he would return to the Italian fold, but new boss Roberto Donadoni was still in need of clarification.

Totti has now reassured Donadoni that he will be fit to resume his international career in 2007, and is already looking forward to the challenge.

"I will come back next year and I told Donadoni that I need a break," he stated.

"I have given so much to the national team that I want to return only when I feel that I am in the right condition to do so.

"I will have time to think about my international future and decide what I really want to do, but this has nothing to do with the fact that Antonio Cassano is back in the squad."

Totti's club Roma have been tipped as possible Serie A champions this season, but he believes that Milan and Internazionale will be too good for them.

"Don't expect the Scudetto," he said. "I don't want to take anybody for a ride. Inter and Milan have more players than us.

"We can only work hard to reduce the gap between us and them."