By Alex
It remains baffling for Azzuri fans how Marcello Lippi – The One – consistently refuses an Antonio Cassano call up opting instead for Cassano’s striking partner Giampaolo Pazzini who has seven goals thus far this season.
The Sampdoria striker is having a great campaign this year and is a large reason why they sit in 5th place in the standings tied with Fiorentina for the last Champions League spot – even though he’s third on team scoring behind Pazzini and Daniele Mannini with one goal.
Up until now, the more reasonable fans would conclude it’s only a matter of time before Lippi inserts the 26 year old Cassano into the line up. His play, to his supporters, has been too inspired to be ignored.
Yet ignored he is. Which leads to all sorts of speculations as to why Lippi is sticking by his guns.
During the qualifying stage, Cassano would have provided a welcomed spark plug to a stale attack lacking any creativity. In trying to explain his snub, observers have pointed out Lippi is loyal to his 2006 warriors and prefers experience. Moreover, Cassano, they assert, is the author of his own problems given his past behaviors with the national team despite showing maturity this year.
Maybe the impetuous Cassano’s past is hurting his chances, or Lippi is simply sticking it to fans and media who have wondered loudly about his exclusion. Who knows? Although, I hope it’s not the latter. It would mean Lippi is putting his own interests above the team.
Which leads to the question: Does it matter if Cassano is on or off the team?
It’s not like Italy is without class at the striker position. Then again, what Italy lacks – flair and creativity – Cassano provides. Perhaps Lippi, when all is said and done, doesn’t see the need for Cassano. Then there’s the issue of who would he send down to make room for him? Lippi is giving Giuseppe Rossi a good long, hard look and may be latching onto him. Cassano, while talented if not electrifying,
With Italy concluding two international friendlies with Holland and Sweden this week, Cassano’s absence was made all the more glaring. If he couldn’t get a crack on two experimental line up filled with youngsters, what are the odds he’ll ever get called up? I know. There’s still the early part of 2010 to convince Lippi.
We’ll see.
