Cesare Prandelli stands by Daniele De Rossi omission

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has insisted that he has left Daniele De Rossi out of his squad for Wednesday's friendly against France for his own benefit.

De Rossi has been left out following his red card in Sunday's Rome derby for striking Lazio captain Stefano Mauri in the face.

Prandelli believes that De Rossi will learn a valuable lesson and return to the Azzurri setup stronger.

He told reporters: "This punishment will help him not to repeat such errors at the World Cup.

"I have no anxiety regarding De Rossi with regard to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"He is too committed. When you put too much responsibility on yourself you lose your head. He must find a balance."

The Roma skipper has been handed a three-match ban by the Italian disciplinary commission for his derby dismissal.