There appears no way back into the Italy squad for Inter Milan striker Antonio Cassano.

Cassano's latest omission by coach Cesare Prandelli was expected by many, including Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.

"The exclusion of Cassano did not surprise me," Buffon coldly remarked yesterday.

Corriere della Sera says despite Cassano's four goals and two assists for Inter this season, he is regarded as too much "hard work" by Prandelli. Indeed, he is regarded as Italy's past and there is no chance of an Azzurri return while Prandelli is in charge.