Lippi frustrated over Cassano

Italy coach Marcello Lippi showed his frustration at once again being asked about Antonio Cassano's Azzurri future as he stormed out of a live television interview.

Lippi has yet to call up Cassano, despite the Sampdoria striker's scintillating form this season.

Cassano bagged another brace at the weekend, leading to more questions about why he has not figured in recent Italy squads.

Lippi stormed off camera but then deigned to return to give a terse reply.

"Cassano and (Alessandro) Del Piero are among those footballers who have to wait and dream of the national team," the World Cup-winning coach told Sky Sport Italia.

Lippi was more forthcoming when asked about the future of the Azzurri and why he had not brought more new faces into the squad.

"We have so many youngsters," he said. "Some are with the under-21 side who are playing the European Championships and it's not right to take them away from coach (Pierluigi) Casiraghi.

"Italy are in good hands. I have to simply change a squad, make sure it qualifies for the World Cup and then put it in it with the same characteristics as that which won in Germany."

Source: Sporting Life