Daniele De Rossi said Wdnesday it would be a "stain on my career" if Italy don't qualify for the World Cup in a two-leg play-off against Sweden on Friday and Monday. "I've never taken into consideration the possibility of not going to the World Cup, also because I would live it as a stain on my career," said the Roma midfielder.
He said "inside the squad we have faith, but since the double clash is fundamental we want the whole of Italy to be close to us, and leave all 'campanilismo'," he said, referring to fan rivalry.
"I want to hope that no one's legs are trembling, even though a touch of fear is good for you".
De Rossi added that recently retired Italy legend Andrea Pirlo, who won the World Cup with him in Germany in 2006, had been "something out of the ordinary".
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