Italy head coach Marcello Lippi has a “pretty definite idea” of the 23 players who will make up the Azzurri World Cup squad and says he is optimistic that Roma captain Francesco Totti will be fit for the tournament which kicks-off on June 9.

Lippi told reporters, before the start of a two day pre-World Cup training camp, that he had invited several new faces into the squad, but refused to be drawn on the World Cup chances of individual players.

“I will make my decision on the final squad on May 15,” said Lippi, “I have pretty definite idea (of the final squad of 23-players).”

But the Azzurri coach said there shouldn’t be too much read into the 29 players he called up for this week's training session being guaranteed a place.

Lippi did hint that some have been included with the long-term development of the squad in mind, with the qualification of the Euro 2008 finals in mind.

“There are 29 players here and I wanted them to feel part of the project - this is not a project that stops at the World Cup. Don't forget that shortly after the World Cup we have a friendly in August and then in September qualification for the European championships begins,” said Lippi.

"We have been following the progress of more than just 23 players and this is a reward for them and also a way for them to feel involved," he said.

Fiorentina defenders Alessandro Gamberini and Manuel Pasqual, Chievo midfielder Franco Semioli, Parma winger Marco Marchionni and Empoli forward Francesco Tavano - all uncapped for Italy – have all been called to join the Italian team get-together along with several recalled players, such as Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi who has recently returned from injury.

“There are some who won't be there, but they need to feel proud and satisfied in the knowledge that they are part of the group. Even if they don't go to the World Cup they are part of our squad,” said Lippi.

No players from AS Roma or Inter Milan, who are due to meet in the Coppa Italia first-leg on Wednesday, have been included in the squad, with a few regulars, such as Totti, who remain out with injury.

29-year-old Totti, a talismanic player for both the Azzurri and for Roma, has been out of action since undergoing surgery to repair a bone he fractured in his left ankle during a Serie A match against Empoli on Feb. 19

The Roma striker is making excellent progress and could return to action in the final two weeks of the Italian season.

“Totti is doing well, there is cause for optimism,” said Lippi, “He is very enthusiastic and keen to get back.”

Lippi was more downbeat about the chances of Monaco striker Christian Vieri who has been struggling to recober from a knee injury.

“Christian is a bit behind and he hasn't been able to get back to intensive training but I will be following his progress and we will see on May 15,” said Lippi.

Italy have been drawn in Group E in the World Cup Finals, alongside Ghana, Czech Republic and the USA.

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