Italy

Davide Lippi Denies Rift With Sampdoria Ace Antonio Cassano

Wild rumours continue to bounce about the peninsula regarding Marcello Lippi's reticence to call up 'Il Talentino'. Davide Lippi and Walter Mazzarri are two men who have been labelled as culprits in the press, though the former has already moved to laugh off the talk...

Nov 5, 2009 12:02:09 PM

Antonio Cassano - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Antonio Cassano - Sampdoria (Getty Images)

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Antonio Cassano

Speculation regarding Antonio Cassano's Italy exclusion is still rife around the peninsula, despite Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone retracting his "ugly story" comments on Wednesday.

After claiming there could be something more sinister behind 'Il Talentino's' Azzurri omission, Garrone was quick to go back on his claims, suggesting he made an error in his comments.

However, that hasn't stopped the speculation from mounting. La Stampa claimed on Thursday that the exclusion was down to an argument Cassano had with Davide Lippi, Azzurri coach Marcello's son.

The agent has clarified the situation, wholeheartedly rejecting such speculation.

"He is not one of my best friends, but he is a guy who I always laugh and joke around with when I see him," Davide Lippi said.

The paper went on to claim Walter Mazzarri is behind the exclusion. The report suggests the former Sampdoria coach told Lippi not to call up the striker, but that suggestion seems like nothing more than a rumour.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com