CELJE, Slovenia (AFP) - Francesco Totti is determined to redeem himself after his shameful exit from Euro 2004 by helping Italy qualify for the World Cup in Germany.
The Roma captain returns to the Azzurri line-up for Saturday's 2006 World Cup qualifier here against Slovenia having completed a three-match ban for spitting in the face of Danish defender Christian Poulsen.
"I have a strong character and forget things quickly," said the 28-year-old striker, whose Italy team are top of Group Five on six points, one ahead of second-placed Slovenia.
"I received a lot of help from the people around me like my girlfriend Ilary, my brother Riccardo and my family.
"I thought about quitting the national side, but then on reflection I realised that would have been a victory for my critics.
"I've now forgotten about it. I know that I made a mistake but I didn't do it on purpose. It was a reaction, a spontaneous gesture.
"Now I want to help Italy reach the World Cup in 2006 and make up for what happened in Portugal."
Totti committed the offence in Italy's opening match in Portugal and did not play in the tournament again. Without the talented talisman, Italy failed to reach the knockout stages and came home after just three matches.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes criticism of Totti was particulary harsh across the continent, but insisted the team would do all they could to help the Roman glamour boy restore his tarnished image.
"I dont want to cause controversy, but I get the feeling that in Europe there is an unjustified antipathy towards Totti for what happened in Portugal," he said.
"We will do everything to help him and he must help himself. He doesn't merit such treatment and hopefully he can change the way people feel about him."
Italy and Slovenia have met on three previous occasions with one win apiece and one draw.
The last time they played was in August 2002 in Trieste where Slovenia won 1-0.
The friendly match in north-west Italy was stopped several times because of the violent behaviour of the visiting Slovenia fans, who threw missiles on to the pitch and fought with riot police.
After this weekend's encounter in Celje, Italy host Belarus in Parma on Wednesday, while Slovenia play away to Norway the same night.