Sampdoria boss Walter Mazzarri urges Antonio Cassano to continue his current form and behaviour, “then hope Marcello Lippi notices.”
The starlet has been frozen out of the Italy squad since Lippi took over from Roberto Donadoni in the summer despite his impressive performances for Samp.
“Italy have a Coach who is very talented and has great experience, so he will know why he makes certain decisions based on a tactical ideal and certain balances within the locker room,” mused Mazzarri.
Lippi confirmed in yesterday’s Press conference that he was “angry and irritated” at the way the media has focused on Cassano’s absence rather than the World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Republic of Ireland.
There are even reports the papers have stirred up such fervour that Lippi could receive a hostile reception when they play Ireland in Bari – Cassano’s home town.
“I think Antonio is experiencing this situation in the right way,” insisted Mazzarri, who has seen the player calm down considerably.
“He needs to remember that he had not played for a few years and was on the sidelines because he helped put himself there.
“Instead, here my colleagues and I have tried to make him realise he needs to stay within a squad and train hard.
“We all put in some of the effort, but he put in more than anyone else. He really does seem to have matured now and his behaviour with us is perfect.
“He has integrated into the side with his teammates and that’s very good to see. As for the rest, all he can do is keep doing well and then hope Lippi notices.”
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