Italy coach tells ommitted players to keep faith

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

ZURICH, Switzerland (AFP) — Italy coach Roberto Donadoni moved to reassure the players left out of his squad for Wednesday's friendly against Portugal in Zurich, that they can still force their way back in.

In-form attacking pair veteran World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero and the troublesome Antonio Cassano were two surprise ommissions from Donadoni's squad having been in fine form for their clubs - Juventus and Sampdoria respectively - this season.

Del Piero has hit the back of the net 12 times in 24 matches in all competitions while Cassano has netted three times in his last five league outings.

And when asked about the pair's chances of forcing their way back into the side, Donadoni assured all the players left out that the door is still open.

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