Prandelli: De Rossi punishment will serve him well

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said on Monday that his dropping of experienced midfielder Daniele De Rossi for Wednesday's friendly with France for being sent off at the weekend would teach him a lesson. The AS Roma star, 29, was punished by Prandelli for punching Lazio captain Stefano Mauri in the face during the Rome derby on Sunday, which Lazio won 3-2. "This punishment will help him not to repeat such errors at the World Cup," said Prandelli. "I have no anxiety regarding De Rossi with regard to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil." De Rossi, who will miss the next three Serie A games because of the resulting suspension handed down by the disciplinary commission, has been in hot water before. He was banned for four games during the 2006 World Cup finals for elbowing United States striker Brian McBride but was able to return for the final, which the Italians won in a penalty shootout over France. "He (De Rossi) is too committed," said Prandelli. "When you put too much responsibility on yourself you lose your head. He must find a balance."