Italy

Sampdoria President Riccardo Garrone: Ugly Story Behind Antonio Cassano’s Italy Exclusion

The Doriani chief claims to know why ‘Fantantonio’ is being snubbed by Marcello Lippi…

Nov 4, 2009 8:01:23 AM

Antonio Cassano - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Antonio Cassano - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone has opened a new front in the saga of Antonio Cassano’s protracted omission from the Italy national team, following the striker’s outburst in the wake of Sunday’s match with Bari.

“Cassano has never taken a stance and I don’t think he said those things because of it,” Garrone told Radio Capital about Nazionale boss Marcello Lippi’s refusal to call-up the ex-Roma and Real Madrid man.

“He has his own explanation for the fact he doesn’t get called up. I know all about it, but I don’t intend to reveal it.

“I have never allowed myself to speak with Lippi about him. But perhaps this story will come out one day and it will be a very ugly story…”

Cassano last represented the Azzurri at Euro 2008 under former boss Roberto Donadoni.

Garrone’s words are certain to spark a heated debate in Italy and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will presumably be pressured into shedding light on this controversy.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com