Cassano: “I always try to do my best on the field”

Calls grow to have Antonio Cassano in the Italy squad, but the Sampdoria star is disheartened. “I can’t point a gun to Marcello Lippi’s head.” FantAntonio’s performance in the 2-1 victory away to Catania was very impressive and not just for what he did with the ball. The fiery forward was spotted calming teammates when they tried to complain to the referee and after the final whistle he gave a new message to the media. “I know all too well there is no point in protesting, as you’re likely to get further punishment on top of the original decision. It’s just not worth it.” Italy boss Lippi has always maintained he could not play Cassano due to his temperament, but as he has mellowed the calls to reconsider are flooding in.

“What else can I do?” mused the former Roma and Real Madrid man. “I said I was ready and always try to do my best on the field. “Lippi makes his choices, I can’t do anything else to convince him. I can’t hold a gun to his head.”