Sampdoria sports chief Beppe Marotta has defended Antonio Cassano after his amazing strop during Sunday's defeat at Catania.

The ex-Roma man stormed away from the pitch and raged at teammate Vincenzo Montella after limping off with a 39th minute thigh injury.

"He's a sensitive lad and the media keep attacking him," he told Rai Radio Anch'io Sport.

"Sometimes in football a talent isn't enough without some tuition. At 25, his actions keep getting picked to pieces and it isn't right."