Lippi's Squad a Resounding Cassa-NO Yet Again

Another selection process has passed for Italy coach Marcello Lippi, and much to no one's surprise, one name has been left out yet again.

Antonio Cassano must be wondering what he's been doing wrong in recent time that does not get him a call-up to represent the Azzurri. Fantantonio has arguably been the best Italian in Serie A since the start of 2009, but for the umpteenth time, he has been left out from the national squad. While there is an argument that Cassano is contradictory to Lippi's selfless, teamwork philosophy, it does not present much of an argument against Cassano's inclusion in the squad. Even if Cassano might not be fit in Lippi's first XI, he should at least be a player on the bench, as he is the type of player that will undoubtably change a game because of his one-man show.

Cassano, however, is not the only one left out. I'm sure alot of blogs and editorials have mentioned these, but I will mention them again for it shows some cracks in Lippi's selection. Roma's Matteo Brighi had an amazing season, and was definitely one of Roma's shining stars in an otherwise gloomy season. Yet he, like Cassano, has been snubbed. Angelo Palombo, who is essentially the same type of player as Brighi, did not have as good a season, yet it is he who will be traveling to South Africa. In the case of another player, Gaetano D'Agostino is out, and Riccardo Montolivo, despite his disappointing performances in recent time, is another player flying to South Africa.

Moving on from midfield, we take a look at the next place - the frontline. Luca Toni, the scapegoat of Bayern's struggles this season (many have claimed that he is slow and he is no longer the player he once was), as evidenced by his recent performances for Bayern Munich. Yet it is the veteran who, above Cassano, and even above Giampaolo Pazzini, is called up by Lippi. Surely, another of his selections that must be lookd upon.

As the Confederation Cup looms near, Italy are one of the favorites, but that is due more to their top reputation than their players heading to South Africa. From the looks of it, Brazil and Spain are fielding very strong squads, and there is not much criticism on their selection, unlike the Azzurri. Top it off with the Azzurri's tough group stage, and one could see the logic why Italy won't be winning that trophy. If they do lose, hope that Marcello Lippi gets a wake-up call, because change is needed for Italy to mount a serious bid come 2010.