Prandelli hints at Cassano call-up

(GSM) – Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has hinted that temperamental Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano could be back in the national fold when he returns to club duty.

Cassano, 28, has missed Samp’s last four games following a much-publicised row with club president Riccardo Garrone.

The former Real Madrid star’s lack of playing time meant he was not considered for the squad for Wednesday’s international friendly against Romania.

Prandelli said: “I do not condone what he did, he has made my job more difficult.

“But when he returns to playing – for Sampdoria or anyone else – I am ready to call on him again.

“It seemed that all the problems (between Cassano and Garrone) were solved, I do not know what happened.

“As I have said many times, he’s a young man who needs help.

“I have the utmost respect for Sampdoria and the club’s president and we didn’t want to enter the controversy so I decided not to call him up.

“Cassano realised immediately he had caused problems for our project as I cannot have any continuity to my attack. We are hoping to review the project in the spring.”

Cassano, who joined Sampdoria from Real Madrid in 2008, had a heated row with club president Garrone following a disagreement over attending an award ceremony.