Italy boss Marcello Lippi confirms he admired Alex Del Piero and Antonio Cassano’s exploits in Europe this week.
“I am happy with the goal Alessandro scored in the Champions League,” he said of the winner against Zenit.
It was a fierce free kick that dipped into the top corner, as the Juventus captain spotted the goalkeeper off his line and feigned a cross.
“I’d seen him score goals similar to that many times, including one for the Nazionale against Germany.”
Lippi has caused controversy since returning to the Italy bench by refusing to pick Cassano, so does it make his job harder to see the Sampdoria starlet inspire his men to a 5-0 UEFA Cup victory over Kaunas?
“Absolutely not. A Coach knows he has to get along with these situations and if someone wants to call that a problem, then it is not for me.
“The Nazionale is open to every player.”
Another Italy figure who impressed midweek was Alberto Gilardino, who bagged a brace in Fiorentina’s 2-2 draw away to Lyon.
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