The Azzurri coach has told the whinging striker to be a man if he wants to be called up for Italy...

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has told Antonio Cassano that he needs to change his attitude if he is to warrant a call up to the Azzurri.

'Il Talentino di Bari' shot himself in the foot when he said that his chances with the national team were over with Lippi at the helm.

The words have not gone down too well with the coach, who has not called up the Sampdoria man since his return, and it's easy to see why.

However, Lippi has, once again, told Cassano to let his feet do the talking.

"Cassano does no good by being pessimistic," Lippi told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"He shouldn't think that he has no chance of the national team whilst I am in charge."

Lippi, who is a keen admirer of Juventus striker Amauri, has also hinted at a possible call up once the hit-man's Italian passport comes through.

"Until I have the chance to pick him (Amauri) then I will not consider making the call," added Lippi.

"I only do things when they can be done.

"In any case, Italian football is in great shape and I have plenty of players at my disposal."

Lippi has constantly changed his squad picks as he tries to find the winning formula for South Africa 2010.