Italy skipper Fabio Cannavaro has urged his World Cup winning team-mates Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti to come out of international retirement for next summer's South Africa tournament.

Neither have played for their country since the Azzurri 's 2006 World Cup triumph in Germany, although AS Roma captain Totti toyed with the idea of returning to his national team, before officially quitting in July 2007.

But Cannavaro believes the experience of AC Milan stopper Nesta and Giallorossi's talisman Totti could be vital for Marcello Lippi's men next summer, and has admitted that he is constantly trying to persuade the duo to reconsider.

"I have talked with Francesco and also Alessandro. We were fortunate to experience Berlin together and we have a strong bond," the Juventus stopper said, according to the Daily Mirror.

"I am always trying to make them rethink, even if it was their decision and that should be respected."

The duo remain pivotal figures for their respective Serie A sides with Nesta enjoying a vintage campaign for the resurgent Rossonneri, while Totti has just signed a deal to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico for the rest of his playing days.

'Il Capitano', who will still be only 33 come next June, recently admitted that he would talk with Lippi about the prospect of his coming out of retirement in the months leading up to the World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, should he survive the season injury-free, Nesta, who will be 34 when the finals come around, might just fancy a final flourish on the international stage.