Gianluca Zambrotta believes there is still a chance for exceptional players to break into Italy's World Cup squad, despite manager Marcelo Lippi's suggestions to the contrary.
Lippi told the media on Tuesday that it would be "difficult" for anybody to make a late charge from outside the group who earned qualification for next summer's competition, despite the strong and repeated calls for Antonio Cassano to be handed another chance with the national team.

Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta - who both announced their international retirement after the Azzurri won the tournament in Germany three years ago - also have their champions.

When asked about the claims of such players with just three friendly matches to go between now and South Africa 2010, the first of which is against Holland on Saturday, Zambrotta answered positively.

The 32-year-old defender also pointed out that while Lippi had hinted there would be no last-minute additions, he had not ruled out recalling some familiar faces.

"The coach has left the door open to possible reintegration of those players who have not participated in World Cup qualifying," he told Corriere Dello Sport.

"Totti was a very important player for us and we do not know what he wants to do now, Lippi does not even know what he wants to do.

"What I can say is that our group is able to accommodate everyone. I will not go into the details, I only know that (Milan team-mate) Nesta is playing in a major championship, even though the coaching side must consider those that are doing well."

He added: "The group is here and I can see there are players who would have difficulty in entering into our own particular battle, but history teaches us that there have been instances where such players have been included."

The squad will spend a day in Aquila, the site of an earthquake in April, prior to their meeting with the Dutch and Zambrotta said the side were happy to be given a chance to show solidarity with the region.

"The day we spend in Aquila will be a very important day for us and for the national team," he added.

"We have never gone over there and it is right to show at times of difficulty, but it is also important as Italians lend a hand.

"We Italians are distinguished for our solidarity. Despite what you might think, we players do not live under a bell jar, when we do something, we do it. "