The former Roma star is frustrated with Italy’s absence in the tournament.
Francesco Totti has named five national teams as the favourites to win the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
A surprise defeat against North Macedonia in the playoffs cost Italy a place in the World Cup. The European champions will need to watch the games from home, with Totti admitting it takes away part of the tournament’s excitement.
“The World Cup without Italy is like going to Rome without seeing the Colosseum,” Totti told Sky Sport. “We’re talking about a great national team.
“For us Italians it is a negative thing, but these are things that happen in football. It will always be a World Cup, we will watch it with interest.”
Totti was a key player for Italy when they snatched their fourth World Cup trophy in 2006. The Azzurri defeated the hosts in the semi-finals before beating France in an iconic final.
Asked which teams have a higher chance of claiming the title this year, he responded: “France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany.
“They are always the same, I don’t see one over the other. Then they will play in winter, which is strange.”
Italy defeated Albania 3-1 in a friendly game on Wednesday. Roberto Mancini’s side will take on Austria in their next match on November 20.
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