Totti thought about Panenka penalty in Italy’s crucial World Cup moment | OneFootball

Italy legend Francesco Totti admits he thought about taking a Panenka penalty during the 2006 World Cup Round of 16 against Australia, but ‘the goalkeeper was massive.’

Totti scored nine international goals for the Azzurri, but one helped the Azzurri qualify for the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals.

The Azzurri were awarded a late penalty in a hard-fought Round of 16 tie against Australia, and the former striker was tasked with taking the spot-kick.

“I thought about doing a panenka, but I was unsure as I knew the game would be over after that,” Totti told Italian reporters via Milannews.

“The goalkeeper was massive, so I opted for a powerful shot.”

The Azzurri ultimately won the cup by beating France in the Final. But what did players do on the eve of the game?

“That was the dream of every kid: to play in a World Cup Final,” said Totti.

“We lived it as any other game; we didn’t think it was a World Cup Final. Nobody could sleep [the night before]. Somebody played on the PlayStation, while others played cards. It was unforgettable.”

Totti spent his entire career at Roma, but Real Madrid and two Serie A clubs tried to sign him.

“I was not involved [in negotiations]. The club talked to [Real Madrid President] Florentino Perez,” Totti recalled.

“Sensi was on good terms with him, but he didn’t want to sell me to anyone. He would have incurred any sort of debt to keep me.

“Milan and Inter also tried, but they gave up after a meeting with the President.”