Totti targets Italian Cup final for return from injury

Roma and Italy striker Francesco Totti plans to make his long-awaited return from an ankle injury in Wednesday's Italian Cup final first leg against Inter.

The 29-year-old 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 February 19.

"I'll be in the team for Wednesday's Italian Cup final," Totti told a news conference yesterday.

"We've yet to decide whether it's on the bench or from the first minute."

Totti's comeback is good news for Italy coach Marcello Lippi, who considers him to be one of the lynchpins in the Azzurri's bid to win their first World Cup since 1982.

His return to fitness has been covered in minute detail by the country's sports press.

Totti's decision to make himself available for the first leg of the Cup final followed his appearance in a practice match against fourth division side Cisco Roma.

"I wanted to test myself in a friendly. The ankle responded in the best possible way," he concluded.