AC Milan fullback Gianluca Zambrotta hopes to earn a place in Marcello Lippi's World Cup squad.

Zambrotta has struggled with injuries this season, making just 16 starting appearances in Serie A.

"Dear Marcello, actually no, that's too confidential," Zambrotta joked on an Italian chat show. "Dear Mister, I am ready! Take me to the World Cup."

Zambrotta then made one final request that could ultimately count against him.

"And if he scores 20 goals, could you also take Cassano," he concluded.