Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano hopes Italy do well at the World Cup, despite his controversial omission.

Cassano also insisted he held no grudge against Italy coach Marcello Lippi.

Interviewed on Sky Italia, Cassano was asked to explain why Lippi doesn't seem to trust him.

"I sincerely don't know. I haven't even seen him," Cassano said. "In the beginning, I heard from him, for example, when he said that I would be tired of playing for the national team.

"I repeat, I don't know what it is that's not right. Perhaps he can't bear my personality.

"I am still Italian though and I always hope that Italy wins. For this reason, I say: 'Seeing that Lippi is leaving, let's hope that he goes on July 11 with the World Cup."