Totti - still a key man for the Italian side (Allsport)

By PA Sport Staff

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Italy star Francesco Totti has played down suggestions that he is the most important player to the Azzurri's World Cup hopes.

Both coach Giovanni Trapattoni and the Italian press have celebrated the Roma star's return to the squad from injury, identifying Totti as the man to lead Italy to success in the Far East.

But the 25-year-old forward has moved to ease the pressure by suggesting that captain Paolo Maldini will be the inspirational figure that the other players will look to.

"I am not the leader of the national team, the leader is the captain Paolo Maldini. He is the one in charge and the one we have to follow in the pitch," Totti told the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Trapattoni said last week that Totti "is the player with the extra touch" and that "he could be the player who makes the difference in our team".

But Totti, who will likely play in the hole behind the strikers, is under no illusions.

He said: "He says that, because I have a crucial position on the pitch, a role that can make a difference and I hope that is the case."

Trapattoni could also with a 4-4-2 formation, with Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri and Totti likely to start up front.

"As I see it I can play or (Alessandro) Del Piero can play as second striker with the national team," added Totti.

Italy, who were drawn in Group G with Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico, open their campaign against Ecuador on June 3.