Italy

Walter Mazzarri Denies Advising Marcello Lippi Not To Call Upon Antonio Cassano

The former Blucerchiati boss says he had no part in the forward's exclusion from the Azzurri. Indeed, he only has words of praise for the Samp man...

Nov 6, 2009 5:18:52 PM

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Walter Mazzarri - Napoli (Getty Images)

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Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has written off speculation that he advised Italy coach Marcello Lippi not to select Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano.

The pair worked together at the Marassi for two seasons, and Mazzarri only has praise for the former Real Madrid and Roma player.

"It is a story that is so absurd that it is not part of heaven or earth," he said to La Repubblica, dismissing the reports.

"With Lippi I have a good relationship, but it would be absurd for a national team coach to ask the opinion of a club manager for advice on his formation."

The World Cup winning coach has constantly excluded the player since taking over for his second stint in charge of La Nazionale, despite the forward's excellent performances at club level.

"Even if he did ask me, I could not speak badly about Cassano. I trained him for two years at Sampdoria and he returned to the level we all knew he could play at," he revealed.

"I am grateful for all he gave me at Sampdoria when I was their coach."

Adam Scime, Goal.com