Italians rally round Totti, deny rift

DUISBURG, Germany, June 24 (Reuters) Italy's players have jumped to the defence of forward Francesco Totti after his place in the side was questioned by Italian media.

Playmaker Totti has disappointed so far at the World Cup as he has struggled to find full fitness and form after his three month absence due to a broken ankle.

Coach Marcello Lippi started with Totti in all three group E games despite the Roma player admitting that he is only at 70 percent of his form.

''Totti is fine and is full of desire to do well,'' said midfielder Simone Perrotta. ''Francesco is not at 100 percent but even at 70-80 percent he can make the difference in a game.

''He is not a luxury for the side -- in the role that he occupies there isn't anyone else who can make an impact the way that he does,'' added Perrotta.

The midfielder rejected suggestions from the media that some in the Italy team were frustrated that Lippi was continuing to construct his side around a not fully fit Totti.

''There is no faction hostile to Francesco and there isn't a divided dressing room at all. Everyone is backing him,'' he said.

Striker Alberto Gilardino was also dismissive of the notion that the squad was split over whether Totti should play against Australia.

''There is not even a discussion about that in the dressing room -- we all believe in him and see that he is giving his best,'' said Gilardino.

''The issue is not weighing on us at all -- we are a united team and that is our real strength,'' added the Milan centre forward.

Considered the top Italian in Serie A, Totti has not managed to produce his best at major international tournaments.

He was sent off in Italy's second round exit to South Korea four years ago and then got a five-match ban for spitting at a Danish opponent during Italy's ill-fated Euro 2004 campaign.

Totti broke his ankle in February and went into the World Cup trying to get match fit after his lengthy absence from competitive action.

REUTERS DH PC1815