Italy coach Lippi loses rag with reporters - again

Italy coach Marcello Lippi lost his rag with reporters before tonight's friendly against Sweden.

Lippi was again grilled about Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano's continued absence, among several issues, and was unimpressed.

He snapped: “I don't believe that there is a lot to say. I have no desire to talk about Amauri, Cassano or Lippi who is returning to Juve or all this rubbish.

“We're only going to talk for three minutes about Italy-Sweden, then I am leaving. As far as I understand it, you already know the formation that will take the field.

“I hadn't wanted a total overhaul of the team even if there will be rotations in the second half. The challenge with Sweden is important for us to understand at what point we are.”