Recent Real Madrid acquisition Antonio Cassano has not gievn up hpe of forcing his way into Italy’s World Cup squad.

Cassano was omitted from Italy’s squad for last week’s friendly inetrnational against Germany, but after scoring in Real’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the weekend, he hopes that national coach Marcelo Lippi will still include him in his 23-man squad for the World Cup.

“I only hope Lippi was watching TV, because maybe it’s not too late for me to earn a World Cup place,” said Cassano.

“I want to dedicate this match to my team-mates, supporters and former president Florentino Perez who wanted me here.”

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