Italy boss Cesare Prandelli expects Daniele De Rossi to play a key role for the country at the 2014 World Cup despite axing him from the squad for Wednesday's game against France.

Prandelli opted to omit Roma midfielder De Rossi, 29, after he punched Stefano Mauri during his side's 3-2 defeat to Lazio in the Rome derby.

The player will now serve a three-match suspension in Serie A, and Prandelli remains hopeful lessons will be learned.

Prandelli said on Gazzetta.it: ...

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