Nesta set for comeback

         Alessandro Nesta is on the road to recovery and is optimistic that he will be ready for the start of the season.

        The defender has not played since the Italian World Cup match against the Czech Republic in June when he suffered a recurrence of a groin strain.

       “I am saddened of how my World Cup went,” said the 30-year-old to Milan Channel. “I was only able to play two matches because of my injury.

      “I was very disappointed that I couldn’t take part in exciting challenges like the match against Germany or the Final with France.

      “I really tried to recover for the match against the host nation and even if I didn’t make it, I feel I am part of the Azzurri triumph,” added Nesta.

       The former Lazio captain has been left out of the Italy squad for their first two qualifiers against Lithuania and France, but he’ll have his boost on again this week.

     “I am now recovering and will discuss with Milan’s medical staff if I can take part in the Tim Trophy [scheduled for Thursday at San Siro against Inter and Juventus].

     “What would I like to win next year? This team is made for the Champions League and I would love to win it,” he stated.

     “However, we will have to start out aiming at all possible goals, seeing where that will take us at the end.”

       Milan are set to start the 2006-07 Serie A with an eight-point penalty because of their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.