Italy duo retire from side

Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti have both retired from the Italian national side. Nesta retired today following in the footsteps of Totti, and despite being only 31, has opted to call time on his international career.

Nesta has recently struggled with injuries and is hoping to continue his club success after winning the World Cup with Italy. The news is sure to dent Roberto Donadoni's qualification for the 2008 Euro Championship hopes, and Italy will now surely need to bring more youth through in defence after being left with Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Matterazzi in defence.