The 32-year-old has not played for the Azzurri since a Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia in October 2006, eventually announcing his retirement from the international game last year.

Following the exit of Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who Nesta did not have a great relationship with, and the return of Marcello Lippi, there have been many reports in the media that the former Lazio star, as well as Francesco Totti, could return for the 2010 World Cup campaign.

While Totti has so far failed to rule out a comeback, Nesta has confirmed that he will not be overturning his retirement decision.

"The national team is a closed chapter,” said Nesta.

“It had nothing to do with Donadoni. I had major physical problems that did not permit me to play."

Nesta made his Italy debut way back in 1996 and went on to win 78 caps in the next decade, playing at three World Cups and three European Championships.

However, injuries often hampered him at major tournaments, such as at France 98’, Euro 2004 and of course the victorious World Cup 2006, when he did not play for the rest of the tournament after injuring himself in the third group game against the Czech Republic.

Goal.com