Ranieri hints Totti won't make World Cup squad

Roma striker Totti had been considering coming out of international retirement for the June 11-July 11 tournament in South Africa but media reports have said coach Marcello Lippi has decided against recalling him and has informed the club.

The Italian soccer federation has made no comment and Lippi has said details of the squad will only be announced on Tuesday.

"Selfishly I am happy," Ranieri told a news conference when asked what he thought about the rumors and the fact Totti could now be fresher for next season.

However, the Roma boss did not confirm he knew Totti had been omitted.

Totti caused uproar in Italy after being sent off in last Wednesday's Italian Cup final defeat to Inter Milan when he violently kicked out at Mario Balotelli. Ranieri has been mentioned in the media as a possible successor to Lippi, who has hinted he will quit after the World Cup.

"Certain rumors please me but the issue is closed because I have a contract with Roma," he said.

His side, two points behind leaders Inter, host Cagliari on Sunday and need to win to guarantee the Serie A title race goes into the final weekend. Inter coach Jose Mourinho has been his usual controversial self in the run-up, joking that Roma will pay relegated Siena to beat Inter in the last match. The Portuguese is facing a federation charge over the comment and could be given a touchline ban.

"Mourinho is throwing time bombs," Ranieri added. "All I'll say is that it's too easy to make your group stronger by giving the impression that everybody is attacking you. This is a football I don't like, I'm different from Mourinho."