Sampdoria FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1946
• Manager:Domenico Di Carlo

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Cassano's omission explained

10 Feb 2010 - 08:12:22

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Sampdoria have played down reports of a rift between coach Luigi Del Neri and star man Antonio Cassano.

The unpredictable playmaker has been left out of the squad for Samp's last three games, all of which have been won, in sharp contrast to the seven-match winless streak that had gone before.

It had been suggested that the 27-year-old former Roma star had fallen out with Del Neri but general director Giuseppe Marotta insists that is not the case.

He said: "The relationship between Cassano and Del Neri is based on reciprocal respect and professionalism. His exclusion is a technical choice and there are no disciplinary reasons behind it.

"Cassano is a natural-born talent. Even if we have won our recent games without him, his presence and quality will help Sampdoria."