Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano is disappointed with the national team situation, believing that he will not play for them under Marcello Lippi.

Lippi took over as national team coach in 2008 after the European Championship ended in June, replacing Roberto Donadoni and returning to the Azzurri since winning the World Cup in 2006.

Since his return for his second stint on the national team bench, the former Juve manager has not called up Sampdoria's star man, Antonio Cassano, despite displays that have proven his worth to the Blucerchiati numerous times this season.

Cassano impressed immensely in his first season with the club last term, scoring 10 goals and creating countless assists for his team-mates. Cassano is a player of great technical ability, and is as entertaining on the ball as he is deadly to the opposition.

His ability is undoubtedly world-class. He has scored five goals already in Serie A this term and is always a threat, but despite his exploits the troublesome wild child of Italian football has not received any Italy caps since Lippi rejoined the Azzurri fold.

Speaking on the matter, Fantantonio said, “My call up is still a problem. Obviously it is Lippi that must decide, but I smell something burning, in the sense that I don't believe there will be any space for me in the national team while Lippi is still the coach.

“I don't know why he doesn't select me, maybe he believes that other players are better than me. Obviously if he were to call me up I would behave well, but the important thing for me is to have the same opportunities as the others.”