Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has had his say on the situation involving his former Giallorossi teammate Antonio Cassano and Italy boss Marcello Lippi.

The Azzurri tactician has so far refused to include the talented Cassano in any of his squads – including friendlies – which has raised speculation concerning the differences between the two men going beyond the pitch.

Lippi has often claimed that the door to the national team is open to all players between the ages of 18 and 40, yet the Sampdoria star continues to be overlooked.

De Rossi told ANSA that his former teammate is doing great things with the Blucerchiati and remains one of Italy’s most exciting players. This distances the midfielder from his previous claims that Cassano’s lack of goals must have been the cause for his exclusion.

‘Capitan Futuro’ went on to downplay the controversial remarks by Sampdoria’s Ricardo Garrone, explaining that they must have been misrepresented. Garrone has since negated such comments about an “ugly incident” linking Lippi and the Bari-born player.

It remains to be seen whether ‘Fantantonio’ will ever feature for Italy during Lippi’s reign.

Rami Soufi, Football Italiano