Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has assured troubled Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano he remains in his plans.

Cassano wasn't included in Cesare Prandelli's recent Italy squad, but the Coach of the Azzurri doesn't want the player to lose heart.

"We had always said that Antonio was a player who needed to be helped to grow in difficulties," Prandelli explained.

"We believed that he had resolved his problems through his marriage and his expecting a child.

"Now I don't know what could have happened, but I will not abandon Antonio."