Roberto Donadoni does not regret the fact he won't have Francesco Totti in his Italy side. “How can I miss someone who was never here?”
The Roma star had Donadoni on tenterhooks for a year after the World Cup triumph, but last week finally confirmed he would not be returning to international duty.
“Totti is a closed book now, there is nothing more to talk about,” the Italy boss told the 'Gazzetta dello Sport.'
“After all, I can't even miss his presence seeing as since I took over the Nazionale he has never been here. So nothing changes as far as I am concerned.”
The 2007-08 campaign kicks off on August 25 and Donadoni gave his view on the first post-Calciopoli Scudetto race.
“Inter are not unbeatable. Even if they are without doubt the favourites for two reasons -- their squad and the conviction that they are a great side.
“I believe that Milan, Roma and Juventus can challenge them. The Bianconeri are in there too because they have extra motivation to be back among the elite. They remind me of those sides who, after a long time in Serie B, make an incredible impact on the top flight in their first season.”
One of the revelations of the last campaign and Italy's Euro 2008 qualifiers has been Fabio Quagliarella, who has joined Udinese after a tug of war with Sampdoria, but he was expected to be picked up by one of the giants.
“It is surprising and a cause for concern that no big clubs wanted him. If someone is talented, he can prove it anywhere. He has real technique and quality, but the tough part comes now. He has to stay humble and he will go far. Otherwise, it'll get more complicated.”
The Under-21 squad has qualified for the Olympics and many of those faces could break into the senior squad soon.
“I think the breakout stars of this season will come from the Under-21 side,” added Donadoni.
“People like Giampaolo Pazzini, Riccardo Montolivo, Antonio Nocerino, Domenico Criscito, Alessandro Rosina and Raffaele Palladino. I am always in close contact with Pierluigi Casiraghi and Gianfranco Zola.”
Another potential reinforcement for the Azzurri is Amauri, who is Brazilian but has an Italian passport and could be eligible for Italy.
“I like Amauri and am curious to see him in action again. Francesco Guidolin said he was crucial for Palermo.”
Tactically the former Livorno boss is also considering a change of pace for 2007-08.
“I am thinking of a three-man defence. I have the right men for that system and used it when I was at Lecco.”
though, and real speed and two goals in two games is a good start for him."
Ferguson admitted that United's four-game tour of Asia had been a perfect preparation base for the club's defence of their Premiership title, despite the tough conditions in the Far East.
"It was very, very hot out there and that contributed to the slowness of the play, but Guangzhou made it difficult for us and I was happy to go in 2-0 ahead at the break," said the United boss.
"This trip has been good for us, though, because all of the players have had plenty of football and I am happy about our preparation levels for the start of the season."