Italy’s Daniele De Rossi was one of the major omissions from the squad for the friendly match against Spain on Wednesday. This was one of the few matches to prepare for Italy ahead of the World Cup 2014.

However, Cesare Prandelli omitted De Rossi from the squad on the grounds of indiscipline. Roma were recently involved in a league match with Inter Milan and during that encounter De Rossi punched Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi in the face. This has led to a straight red card and a three match ban for the midfielder. Roma only managed a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in that match.

Prandelli, who has had a strict disciplinary record when it comes to dealing with players, says that he will not select De Rossi until he feels satisfied that the player has served his punishment. He has also revealed that the players are well aware that Prandelli will not be waiting for the disciplinary committee to come out with their verdict. De Rossi is one of the important players for the Italian national team. At 30 years of age, he is at the right age to lead the nation to cup glory in the summer. Italy have not done well in major tournaments since the 2006 World Cup victory.

However, they did reach the Euro 2012 final, but they were beaten heavily by Spain.

“I have told my players that I watch the games and that I don’t have to wait for a disciplinary ruling in order to make a decision. I have told them that if I see a gesture that I consider inappropriate, the player responsible for such an action will not come into the national team. I do not want these type of gestures at the World Cup,” said Prandelli about the omission of De Rossi.