Marcello Lippi insists that Antonio Cassano is part of Italy’s future despite his omission from the latest squad.
The Roma youngster has surprisingly been ignored for the qualifiers against Slovenia and Belarus but the tactician maintains he will be back.
"Antonio will be called up so many times in the future that he’ll get bored of it," the Coach stated on Monday.
"I have not included him this time only because he’s not in the best form after starting the season later than everybody else because of injury.
"I am a great admirer of Cassano and I can’t wait for him to return because Italy can’t do without a player of his talent."
The temperamental 22-year-old has had a difficult start to the season after falling out with former Roma boss Rudi Voller.
He was then whistled by the Giallorossi fans last night after he showed his frustration at being replaced by new Coach Gigi Del Neri in the 3-3 with Inter.
But the former Chievo tactician has defended the youngster and tipped him to return to his best.
"I’m saddened that he was jeered by the fans because he is a player who needs stimulating and not criticising," stated Del Neri today.
"The Azzurri? Lippi hasn’t named him this time but I’m certain that he will do in the future.
"Antonio is a player of great quality and the decision to leave him out on this occasion signifies nothing."
Many expected Cassano to be included in the squad, especially as Alex Del Piero is unavailable due to injury.
Yet Lippi decided to ignore him and also Fiorentina’s Fabrizio Miccoli who is struggling for form too.
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发表于 2004-10-5 06:28:00