Sampdoria coach Gigi del Neri feels vindicated after victory over Udinese, despite axing Antonio Cassano from his squad.

Del Neri took a huge risk by leaving his star striker at home for the trip to the Stadio Friuli, but it paid off with a shock 3-2 win.

"Cassano is a just a player like the others, as he, Nicola Pozzi and Giampaolo Pazzini are at the disposal of Samp," he declared.

"None of them have the certainty of a first team place. I don't understand all this pandemonium over a decision to leave him out.

"When he is back in form, then Cassano will play, but when he's not in great shape then he won't. I make the decision."

Del Neri added: "Without Cassano the team did react, but that doesn't mean much. Don't forget in the first half of the season we won on our travels with Cassano in the squad."