Francesco Totti From Despair to World Cup glory. AS Roma vs Empoli 19th February 2006 . Captain Francesco Totti suffered a serious leg injury while playing against Empoli. Though Roma equalled the Serie A record of 10 consecutive wins (as of 2006) with a 1-0 defeat of Empoli but paid a heavy price when their captain Francesco Totti broke his ankle. Totti was carried off in the 12th minute after going down under a heavy challenge by the Empoli defender Richard Vanigli. The Italy international fractured his ankle & was out of action for about two months. However, he made a triumphant return to the Azzurri to win the World cup. #retrocalcio Totti's Injury (12'): Just 12 minutes into the match, Francesco Totti suffered a severe left fibula fracture and ligament damage following a heavy tackle from Empoli defender Richard Vanigli. Totti was stretchered off and replaced by Vincenzo Montella, putting his participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in serious jeopardy (though he famously ...