Sampdoria hitman Antonio Cassano admits he is looking forward to the day Marcello Lippi leaves his post as Italy coach, believing it will mark the start of an Azzurri return
Sampdoria hitman Antonio Cassano admits he is looking forward to the day Marcello Lippi leaves his post as Italy coach, believing it will mark the start of an Azzurri return.
The Bari native has had to live with constant exclusions by the tactician, but hopes his dormant Nazionale career can be sparked back into life when Lippi steps down after the World Cup.
"Lippi makes the choices, but I hope Italy can win the World Cup. But I also hope things change and that a new coach who will give everyone a chance comes in," he told Sky Sport 24. "Then if I deserve to go to the national team then we will see. If other players are better and they go then fair enough, but I can compete with anyone."
Lippi will announce today his final 23, plus four reserves, morning when the Azzurri set up their pre-tournament camp in Sestiere.
Trimmed downFrance coach Raymond Domenech has elected to keep uncapped rookies Marc Planus and Mathieu Valbuena in his squad for the World Cup, though he will have to cut one further player from his roster before submitting his final list.
After naming a panel of 30 players last Tuesday night, Domenech has now trimmed his squad to 24, with the fitness of Arsenal centre-back William Gallas still in serious doubt due to a calf problem.
Planus, who has been a cornerstone of Girondins de Bordeaux's rise to prominence in Ligue 1 over the last three years, has been given the nod as back-up ahead of Lille's Adil Rami, who has previously appeared in several squads.u00a0
